Proposed Ōhiwa Harbour mussel-harvesting closure
Fisheries New Zealand is consulting on a requested two-year closure of part of Ōhiwa Harbour to mussel harvesting so juvenile mussels can mature and help restore the local mussel beds.
- Closing date
- 21 August 2026
- Added to Civics
- 26 July 2026
- Source category
- Public service
- Source body
- Ministry for Primary Industries
- Last checked
- 26 July 2026
Closes in 25 days
Plain-English summary
Fisheries New Zealand is consulting on a requested two-year closure of part of Ōhiwa Harbour to mussel harvesting.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa has requested the closure under section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996. It would cover approximately 0.1 square kilometres near Harbour Road, Ōhope, and would prohibit recreational, commercial and customary harvesting of mussels within the defined area.
The purpose is to allow juvenile mussels to mature and support recovery of the harbour's mussel beds. Feedback can address whether the closure should proceed, whether its area and duration are appropriate, and its likely effects on fishers and the local community.
Why it matters
The proposal would temporarily remove access to mussel harvesting in the specified part of the harbour.
The decision could affect the recovery of local mussel beds and how customary fisheries objectives are supported.
Who may care
- Customary, recreational and commercial fishers
- Iwi, hapū and Ōhiwa Harbour communities
- Marine conservation and restoration organisations
How to make a submission
- Read the proposed closure map and supporting information on the official consultation page.
- Send feedback to Fisheries New Zealand using the email or postal details on that page.
- Submissions close at 5pm on 21 August 2026.
Disclaimer
Civics.nz is an independent plain-English guide and is not an official government website. Always check the official source before making a submission.