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Rahui in Maunganui Bay

(Deep Water Cove)

Ngati Kuta and Patukeha resident hapu in Te Rawhiti Rakaumangamanga announce a Rahui (temporary closure) in Maunganui Bay for  two years.  The aim of the Rahui is to enable seriously depleted fish stocks to regenerate.

The area Maunganui Bay was a special fishing area for Maori.  Since the early 1960s Maunganui has suffered from many years of over fishing and needs a chance to rebuild.  Evidence is gradual depletion of fish in this bay and Ngati Kuta and Patukeha want to rebuild it back into a healthy state.  Traditional fishing practices allowed fishing for certain species at certain times and in certain places.  This kept robust fish stocks available so that enough stock was left to regenerate the  species and catchment areas.

During the Rahui time on-going  research will be undertaken to measure and monitor the health of the resident fishery.  The Rahui will not stop visitors who wish to dive, swim or anchor in the bay, but the taking of fish and shellfish would be prohibited under the community-imposed  Rahui.

The area is pristine in nature, being mostly Maori lands that have remained un-spoilt.  The nature, cultural and historic values are special to Maori and it is the desire of Ngati Kuta and Patukeha to keep it that way by putting in necessary protections.  It is an integral part of the Northland Nature Tourism product, critical to the economy and to our ‘natural clean green’ image internationally.         

This approach is unique.  It relies on the Te Rawhiti community, diver interests and public support to make it happen.  It is a Maori-led initiative that relies on the self discipline of individuals to do the right thing.  

We invite you to join us in supporting the Rahui and tell your friends

"You can look but don't touch"