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A rāhui on set-netting imposed on Kaipara Harbour beaches around Tapora three years ago is being extended for another five years.
Local dairy farmer and Tapora Land & Coast Care president Earle Wright says the restriction, placed by Te Uri o Hau in 2022, aims to curb illegal fishing by groups of people coming up from Auckland and taking vast quantities of fish.
“We’re just changing it to 2030. If we don’t do anything, we won’t have anything for the next generation. People can still go and throw a line out and get a feed, but netting is pillaging,” he says.
“They join nets together and put them across estuaries. I’ve seen them in the water right up to their necks, dragging a net and putting everything into 200-litre drums – the amount they’re taking is commercial pillage.”
Wright says the situation has been going on for 20 years, but has worsened since covid, when the rāhui was placed out of frustration.
“I’ve had people pull knives on me and threaten me. They take cars down walking tracks, break through barriers and chains, and they hide round corners if you see them,” Wright says.
“We want to educate people, so the next generation can still just catch a fish.”
He says Fisheries officers have increased their presence in recent times, which has been a help, but the remoteness of Tapora means it’s not easy for officials to get there fast.
Anyone witnessing illegal fishing should call Fisheries on 0800 476224.
