13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1163 views
Watercare has made a $1 million compensation payment to oyster farmers affected by sewage contamination in Mahurangi Harbour, but more compensation is needed, according to Parliamentary Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft. The payment was a response to a recent sewage overflow incident caused by a power surge, impacting farmers during harvest time. Marcroft urges Watercare to work with Aquaculture NZ to fully compensate farmers for the financial and personal toll of repeated sewage overflows, emphasizing the importance of protecting waterways from pollution.
08 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1176 views
New Zealanders will have the opportunity to provide feedback on managing sika and wapiti deer as the country's first Herds of Special Interest, announced by Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the Sika Show in Hamilton. The draft plans propose a new approach to managing wapiti deer in Fiordland National Park and sika deer in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Forest Parks, aiming to allow hunter-led conservation groups to sustainably manage herd numbers and boost economic growth. The plans emphasize the importance of recreational hunting, community stewardship, professional deer control, and conservation values, recognizing hunters as significant conservation assets and inviting public input for achieving better conservation and hunting outcomes.
16 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1017 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones attended the graduation of 10 new Fishery Officers, emphasizing the importance of their work in ensuring fishers comply with regulations and protect fish stocks. The graduates unexpectedly encountered real poachers during a training exercise, highlighting the significance of their role in enforcing regulations. The Fishery Officers play a crucial role in maintaining sustainable fisheries, with over 11,000 Kiwis employed in the seafood sector and hundreds of thousands engaging in recreational fishing activities.
07 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1344 views
The Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act recently passed by Parliament marks a significant milestone in marine conservation efforts, as highlighted by Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. The legislation aims to address the long-standing ecological decline in the Gulf by nearly tripling marine protection and establishing 19 new protection areas, leading to the restoration of fish stocks, kelp forests, seabird colonies, and a thriving marine ecosystem. The Act also emphasizes a balance between community needs, environmental protection, and economic considerations, with measures such as creating High Protection Areas, restricting fishing in certain zones, and deploying a team of DOC Marine Rangers for monitoring and compliance.
29 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1264 views
Catch limits for Chatham Rise and southern New Zealand orange roughy will be significantly reduced to promote sustainability, alongside other changes in catch limits for various fish stocks as part of a regular review process. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones emphasizes the need for these reductions based on scientific evidence indicating pressure on the orange roughy fishery. The adjustments aim to allow stocks to recover, with additional measures planned to protect spawning areas and ensure future decision-making is well-informed.
16 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1283 views
New Zealand's Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay highlights the benefits for exporters from the World Trade Organisation's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies coming into effect, aiming to ensure fair competition by prohibiting subsidies that support illegal fishing practices. McClay emphasizes that the agreement aligns with New Zealand's push for global reform in the fishing industry, promoting responsible production and safeguarding fish stocks. New Zealand's ratification of the agreement in 2023 reflects its commitment to supporting fair competition and doubling the value of exports, with a focus on the Pacific region where key partners and exporters operate.
15 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1412 views
The Government is implementing a temporary emergency fishery closure around the Otago Peninsula to protect the hoiho population in mainland New Zealand. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones will conduct public consultation on permanent measures to address hoiho bycatch in the area. The consultation will include proposals such as extending the set net ban and implementing an escalating response framework to reduce hoiho bycatch towards zero.
11 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1287 views
The Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards recognized projects like re-seeding juvenile pāua and driving mussel farming innovation. Professor Kura Paul-Burke of the University of Waikato was celebrated for championing healthy oceans through community-based restoration efforts. Other winners included individuals and organizations contributing to sustainable practices and innovation in the seafood sector.
31 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1268 views
Fish & Game New Zealand's family fishing licences are being updated to grant equal fishing rights to both adults starting from the 2025/26 angling season, allowing independent fishing and voting rights in Fish & Game elections. The change aims to address the historical anomaly where the second adult on the licence, often a woman, could not fish independently or participate in elections. Minister Meager hopes the update will enhance accessibility for women and young families, encouraging more people to enjoy angling and ensuring financial relief with no price increases to Fish & Game angling licences confirmed for the upcoming season.
14 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1465 views
Feedback is being sought on proposals to cut the rock lobster catch on Northland’s east coast to aid fishery recovery, as stated by Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones. The proposals aim to increase the abundance and size of rock lobster in the area through potential area closures and reduced recreational daily limits. The consultation period for these proposals runs until 22 September 2025, with details on how to submit feedback available on MPI’s website.
12 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1507 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced an extended seasonal closure for blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds, aiming to reduce fishing pressure and support sustainability. Commercial catch limits for the fish stock were reduced in 2022 due to concerns about high fishing pressure impacting the fishery. An advisory group has been established to provide expertise on improving the health of the blue cod population, with further exploration of factors affecting the fishery planned for the future.
06 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1803 views
The Government is implementing significant fisheries reforms to support sustainable growth in the fishing industry, aiming to remove obstacles and enhance decision-making for setting catch limits. The reforms include more responsive rules based on changes in fish abundance, improved privacy protection for fishers through changes in the onboard camera program, and practical guidelines for landing or discarding catch. These changes align with the goal of fostering a thriving and sustainable fishing industry, with an amendment Bill to be introduced for further feedback through the select committee process.
31 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2029 views
Prime Minister Luxon and Foreign Minister Peters met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manele in Wellington to reaffirm New Zealand's strong ties with Solomon Islands. Discussions included supporting Solomon Islands' economy and education and fisheries sectors, as well as preparations for the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum hosted by PM Manele. New Zealand's ongoing commitment to supporting Solomon Islands' development was highlighted by both Mr. Luxon and Mr. Peters during the visit.
24 Jun 2025
1 year ago
3535 views
A United Nations report ranking New Zealand’s fisheries among the world’s most sustainable is strong recognition of the sector’s hard work, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The report compared fisheries around the world and found the region including New Zealand’s waters have the second highest levels of sustainable stocks in the world. “New Zealand has a reputation around the world for high quality, sustainable kaimoana and, as this report shows, the reputation is richly deserved,” Mr Jones says.
24 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2418 views
The Government is investing a further $150,000 to support implementation of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement—ensuring New Zealand exporters can compete on a level playing field while helping protect global fish stocks. “This is about backing rules that stop unfair subsidies and make sure all countries are held to the same standards,” Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says. “It’s in New Zealand’s direct interest to see this Agreement fully implemented—especially in the Pacific, where many of our key partners operate and where our seafood exporters are active.