Proposed mātaitai reserves at Whangārei Harbour and Bream Bay
Written submissions closing date extended to October
The closing date for two applications for mātaitai reserves at Whangārei Harbour and Bream Bay, Northland, has been extended. The Patuharakeke Rohe Moana Committee, Te Rerenga Parāoa Rohe Moana Committee, and Fisheries New Zealand will host a community meeting to provide information about the applications and consultation process.
A mātaitai reserve is not the same as a marine reserve. A mātaitai reserve recognises the special relationship between tāngata whenua and their traditional fishing grounds. It is a tool that allows for localised fisheries management.
Recreational fishing rules do not change when a mātaitai reserve is established. However, future rule changes can be proposed to support fisheries sustainability. Any such proposals are publicly consulted on and are subject to approval by the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries.
The community meeting will take place at 6pm on Thursday September 24th, 2026, at The Celtic Barn, 5 Saint Marys Road, Waipū.
Community input
The local community is defined as individuals who either:
• own land in proximity to the proposed mātaitai reserve, or
• have resided in proximity to the proposed reserve for a cumulative period of at least 3 months in each of the 3 consecutive years immediately prior to June 2025.
To make a submission, email FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz. Please state in your submission which of the proposed mātaitai reserves, or both, your submission relates to.
Visit the MPI website for more information on the proposed changes.
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