Napier Reef temporary closure 2025
DECISION: PENDING
Introduction
On 12 June 2023, then-Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Rachel Brooking approved Mana Whenua Hapu Trust’s application for a 2-year temporary closure to the harvest of all marine life surrounding a artificial reef 6km northeast off Napier Port. The closure period extended until June 2025.
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council, LegaSea Hawkes Bay and other recreational representatives submitted in support of the 2023 application.
On 21 May 2025 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) advised that Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust submitted an application for a new 2-year temporary closure to the harvest of all finfish, shellfish, crayfish at seaweed in the area surrounding the artificial reef.
Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust advised that a further 2-year closure will allow the artificial reef more time to establish and thrive without fishing pressure.
Submissions in response to the application were due by 18 June 2025.
Submission
On 18 June 2024, New Zealand Sport Fishing Council, LegaSea Hawkes Bay, LegaSea, NZ Angling & Casting Association and NZ Underwater, submitted in support of the new application for a 2-year temporary closure.
A further 2-year temporary closure will allow Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust to explore options for longer-term management options such as a mātaitai reserve.
The LegaSea Hawkes Bay team has been actively involved in establishing and restoring the artificial reef. Collaborating with Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust, Napier Port and others to enhance the existing habitat and health of Hawkes Bay’s marine life.
Relevant Information
2025
Submission
Napier Port s186A. Recreational. 18 June 2025.
Joint submission in support of the application by Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust for a 2-year temporary closure to the harvest of all finfish, shellfish, crayfish and seaweed at the artificial reef, located 6km northeast of Napier Port. NZSFC, LegaSea, NZ Angling & Casting, NZ Underwater. 18 June 2025.
Proposal
Application for s186A temporary closure. Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust. May 2025
New request by Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust for a 2-year temporary closure under section 186A of the Fisheries Act to prohibit the harvest of all finfish, shellfish, crayfish and seaweed at the artificial reef, located 6km northeast of Napier Port, Hawkes Bay. Ngāti Pārau Hapū Trust. May 2025.
2023
Decision
Gazette notice. Te Rāhui o Moremore. 12 June 2023.
Gazette notice confirming a section 186A two-year temporary closure to the harvest of all species. 12 June 2023.
Submission
Te Rāhui o Moremore s186A. Recreational. 27 Feb 2023.
Submission in support of a 2-year temporary closure (Te Rāhui o moremore) of the new artificial reef off Napier Port to the harvest of all species. Submission by LegaSea Hawkes Bay, NZ Sport Fishing Council, NZ Angling & Casting Association, NZ Underwater, LegaSea. 27 February 2023.
Proposal
Section 186A temporary closure application. Mana Whenua Hapū Trust. 25 Jan 2023.
Request by Mana Whenua Hapū Trust for a 2-year closure of a new artificial reef constructed 6km northeast off Napier Port, Hawkes Bay. The temporary closure, named Te rāhui o moremore, means no harvest of all fisheries resources.