07/07/2026
Update Following Hui: Pāua rāhui
Following significant interest from our members, we wanted to provide an update on the hūi held at Waimārama Marae on Sunday with local Iwi.
Two representatives from the Waimārama Marine Club committee attended what was a well-supported meeting, with the majority of those present being members of the local community.
The current rāhui on pāua gathering is due to expire on 24 December 2026.
Iwi advised that they intend to apply to the Ministry for Primary Industries (Fisheries New Zealand) to establish a mātaitai reserve. For more on mātaitai reserves click link below ⬇️
The application process is expected to take approximately 18 months and requires consultation and input from both iwi and the wider community before any decision is made. It was also made clear that applying for a mātaitai reserve does not automatically result in the existing rāhui being extended.
The attendees understood from the discussion at the time that Iwi had not applied for an extension to the existing rāhui {and they did not believe that an extension would be granted if they were to apply} - however, since the hūi some comments made through media are that in fact the Iwi are intending to apply for an extension while the mātaitai application is being considered. At this stage, it remains unclear what the arrangements for pāua gathering would be once the current rāhui expires.
As a club, we will wait to see what is formally published following the hūi before making any further comment. However, we do have concerns about the potential long-term management implications should a mātaitai reserve be approved, as it may lead to additional bylaws or restrictions affecting other customary and recreational fisheries, including crayfish and other fish in our area.
There was also considerable discussion around ongoing poaching and reports of some vessels taking multiple daily catches in the area. It was noted that several local residents have repeatedly raised these concerns with Fisheries New Zealand and requested a stronger compliance presence, but have seen little action to date. A representative from Fisheries New Zealand attended the hui and acknowledged these concerns, advising that they would be followed up.
We will endeavour to update you as more comes to hand.
Link for more info:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:AP:235fa537-53f0-4749-ad17-7c11f00031e4.
Your committee,
