📢 Have Your Say on the Proposed Mātaitai Reserves

This is your opportunity to have your say on two proposed mātaitai reserve applications for Whangārei Harbour and Bream Bay.

Whether you support the proposals, have concerns, or simply want to share your views, MPI is inviting written submissions from the community.

About mātaitai reserves A mātaitai reserve is an identified traditional fishing ground and is established for the purpose of customary food gathering. Mātaitai reserves are limited to fisheries waters and do not include any land area. Mātaitai reserves do not change any existing arrangements for access to private land. When a mātaitai reserve is established, the recreational fishing rules do not change. However, the Tangata Kaitiaki/Tiaki (guardian) for a mātaitai reserve may propose changes to the rules later. Any proposed bylaws will be consulted on separately with the public and relevant stakeholders. They require approval by the Minister 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. Mātaitai reserves do not impact whitebait or trout fishing

📝 Submissions close at 5:00pm on Friday 21 August 2026.

A local community meeting will also be held:
📍 Marsden Yacht & Boat Club, One Tree Point
🗓 Thursday 30 July 2026
🕕 6:00pm

For more information about the proposals and to make your submission please email your submission to FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz

Submissions close at 5pm on Friday 21 August 2026.

State in your submission which of the proposed mātaitai reserves, or both, your submission relates to.