A ban on harvesting some types of shellfish in parts of Hauraki Gulf has been extended for another two years, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

The extension to two-year closures at Umupuia Beach, Te Mātā and Waipatukahu, and Waiheke Island were requested by Ngāi Tai Ki Tamaki, Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust, and Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust.

“Extending these temporary closures is a practical step to help replenish local shellfish for the benefit of current and future generations,” Mr Jones says.

The applicants are all members of the Pou Rāhui Research Project, which incorporates mātauranga Māori alongside modern scientific tools to restore identified marine taonga species within the areas.

“The group’s work involves training whānau in traditional skills and data collection to strengthen mātauranga, to support evidence-based decision-making, and to ensure the long-term sustainability of customary fisheries.

“I commend Ngāi Tai Ki Tamaki, Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust, and Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust and the Pou Rahui Project for their strong kaitiakitanga in caring for these important local fisheries and the broader Hauraki Gulf.”

The closures come into effect on 7 August 2026. More information, including maps, can be found on MPI’s website:Proposed temporary fishery closures in the Hauraki Gulf | NZGovernment