Napier Reef temporary closure 2023
DECISION: APPROVED
Introduction
In 2022 Mana Whenua Hapū Trust wrote to the then-Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, David Parker, requesting his approval for a 2-year temporary closure to all fishing around a new artificial reef constructed off Napier Port.
Mana Whenua Hapū Trust was seeking protection of the reef to allow the new biogenic habitat to flourish without external pressure.
On 24 January 2023 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) advised the Minister had received the application. Submissions in response to the application were due with FNZ by 27 February.
On 24 February FNZ advised the submission deadline would be extended to 27 March, to respect people in the Hawke’s Bay region who have been impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
On 12 June 2023, the new Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Rachel Brooking, approved the closure. The closure period extends until June 2025.
Submission
On 27 February 2023 the LegaSea Hawkes Bay, New Zealand Sport Fishing Council, New Zealand Angling & Casting Association, NZ Underwater, and LegaSea, submitted full support for the application.
The LegaSea Hawkes Bay team has been working collaboratively with Mana Whenua Hapū Trust members to protect, enhance and restore fish habitats around the local coastline.
The submitters believe the temporary closure of the reef would provide many benefits, including restoring biodiversity in the surrounding Hawke’s Bay waters.
Relevant information
2023
Public awareness
Rāhui placed over new Napier reef. Hawkes Bay Today. 4 July 2023
Article explaining the need for a 2-year rāhui to protect the new artificial reef off the coast of Napier. Features comments from Wayne Bicknell, LegaSea Hawkes Bay spokesperson. Hawkes Bay Today. 4 July 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. Recreational. 27 Feb 2023
Submission in support of Te Rāhui o Moremore on 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 and LegaSea. 27 February 2023.
Proposal
Temporary closure application. Mana Whenua Hapū Trust. 24 Jan 2023
Request by Mana Whenua Hapū Trust for a 2-year temporary closure to fishing on a new artificial reef constructed 6km northeast off Napier Port, Hawkes Bay. If approved, the temporary closure would be named Te Rāhui o Moremore and it would prohibit the harvest of all fisheries resources for two years.
2022
Resources
FAQ. Temporary customary closures. Fisheries NZ. July 2022
Questions and answers about temporary closures, method restrictions and other Māori customary management tools. Fisheries New Zealand. July 2022.