Iwi welcome decision to extend ban on taking p¯aua over wide area for two years
A ban on taking pa¯ua along a large section of Hawke’s Bay coastline — including Waima¯rama — has been extended for another two years.
Nga¯ti Kahungunu chair Bayden Barber says it will “do a world of good for our pa¯ua” and warns neighbouring areas may also introduce restrictions of their own.
The ban protects blackfoot pa¯ua from being harvested around Waima¯rama and was introduced in December 2020 by Fisheries New Zealand.
It was set to expire on December 22, but has been extended for two years.
The goal of the prohibition zone is to allow blackfoot pa¯ua to replenish and increase in number and size.
The off-limit zone stretches about 3.5km out to sea and about 24km along the Hawke’s Bay coast from Whakapau Point in the north to Huarau in the south.
That area includes Waima¯rama — a popular pa¯ua collecting spot — and Ocean Beach.
The application for an extension of two years was made by Nga¯i Hapu¯ o Waima¯rama, and the proposal received 52 submissions “with a range of views”.
“There is still concern that even though there has been a two-year closure on the gathering of pa¯ua a further two years is needed to give the stock more time to rejuvenate and repopulate,” the application read.
Emma Taylor, Fisheries New Zealand director fisheries management, said: “The Minister for Oceans and Fisheries has approved the request from Nga¯i Hapu o Waima¯rama for a further twoyear closure”.
Bayden Barber, Nga¯ti Kahungunu Iwi Inc chairman, and Waima¯rama resident, said the move was important.
“It is good news. It gives us a bit more time to do more measuring and monitoring and gives the pa¯ua more of a rest really . . . having that four-year break will do a world of good for our pa¯ua.”
While it could lead to people going elsewhere to collect pa¯ua, their neighbours in the Po¯rangahau community were also looking at applying for similar restrictions.
“They are looking at following our example and looking at putting in their own ra¯hui as we have.”
Ministry for Primary Industries fishery officers have patrolled the zone during the ban but, as of August, had reportedly not issued any infringements.
Meanwhile, Central Hawke’s Bay police responding to a report of suspicious activity at Mangakuri Beach this week stopped and searched a vehicle, finding 15 undersized paua.
The daily bag limit is 10 paua and the minimum legal sizes are 125mm for blackfoot pa¯ua.
The 15 pa¯ua seized by police after searching the vehicle were 70mm to 110mm.
Police have forwarded the details of the offending to MPI for action and praised “good, responsible local residents for keeping an eye on the region’s beaches”.