The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is inviting feedback on two mātaitai reserve applications at Whangārei Harbour and Bream Bay, Northland.
Patuharakeke mahinga mātaitai reserve: Approximately 115km2 of fisheries waters along the coastline between the intersection of State Highway 1 and Springfield Road, near Oakleigh, south Whangārei, to the eastern end of Andersons Cove, Bream Tail, and includes Bream Bay, Northland.
Poupouwhenua mahinga mātaitai reserve: Approximately 1km2 of offshore fisheries waters near Marsden Point, Whangarei Harbour, adjoining the proposed Patuharakeke mātaitai reserve.
The Patuharakeke Rohe Moana Committee, Te Rerenga Parāoa Rohe Moana Committee and Fisheries New Zealand will hold a local community meeting to discuss the applications:
Marsden Yacht and Boat Club, One Tree Point Boat Ramp, One Tree Point Road, Ruakaka
6pm on Thursday 30 July 2026
To find out more or have your say, see the MPI website:
Applications for 2 mātaitai reserves at Whangārei Harbour and Bream Bay
The closing date for submissions is 5pm, Friday 21 August 2026.
Mātaitai reserves do not change the recreational fishing rules. However, the Tangata Kaitiaki/Tiaki for a mātaitai reserve may propose changes to the rules at a later date. These are called mātaitai reserve bylaws. Any proposed bylaws will be consulted on separately with the public and relevant stakeholders. They need to be approved by the Minister of for Oceans and Fisheries.
Commercial fishing is prohibited in a mātaitai reserve but can be reinstated at the request of the Tangata Kaitiaki/Tiaki for the mātaitai reserve for specified species, quantity or time period.