Proposed mātaitai reserves at Whangārei Harbour and Bream Bay

Fisheries New Zealand is seeking local community feedback on applications for two mātaitai reserves covering parts of Whangārei Harbour and Bream Bay.

The larger proposal is the approximately 115-square-kilometre Patuharakeke Mahinga Mātaitai Reserve, extending from southern Whangārei Harbour to Bream Tail and including Bream Bay. A second application proposes the approximately 1-square-kilometre Poupouwhenua Mahinga Mātaitai Reserve near Marsden Point.

Mātaitai reserves recognise areas of customary importance and provide for tangata kaitiaki to manage non-commercial fishing. Commercial fishing is generally prohibited in a reserve. Recreational fishing rules do not change automatically, although tangata kaitiaki can later recommend bylaws for approval.

This is the local community stage of consultation. Check the official page for eligibility, maps, supporting documents and submission instructions.

Establishing the reserves would change how fisheries are managed across substantial parts of Whangārei Harbour and Bream Bay.

The applications could strengthen customary fisheries management while affecting commercial fishing access and future recreational fishing rules.