My Account
The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board is supporting a seasonal ban on set netting at Matakatia in Whangaparaoa, following submissions by residents of the bay last month.
Member Leanne Willis brought the issue back to the board in the form of a Notice of Motion at its September 16 meeting. Members unanimously supported her proposal that the board ask Auckland Council’s Regulatory Committee to investigate the implementation of a seasonal set net control at Matakatia.
This same control was introduced at Arkles Bay, Te Haruhi and Army Bay.
Set netting entails weighing down nets in the water and leaving them, collecting the fish later. Proximity to the Long Bay-Okura Marine reserve makes the practice popular on the southern side of the peninsula. There are also issues with set netting at Hatfields Beach.
Matakatia residents, represented by Christine Moore, told the local board the practice has caused major headaches for them and visitors to the bay for more than five years. Issues include set netters driving on the beach and rocks and becoming aggressive when approached. The ban would also help create a safe corridor for fish down the southern side of the peninsula, Moore said.
Member Andy Dunn said that by placing a ban in nearby bays, Council funnelled the problem into Matakatia.
“They are only asking for what neighbouring bays have in place,” he said.
Council can prohibit or restrict activities like set netting under its Public Safety and Nuisance bylaw.
Back stories April 15, 2015, August 16, 2021
