MPI Fisheries - Auckland

Come and see us at stand #540 at the Boat Show 🛥️🎣

It’s that time of the year again – the 2026 Hutchwilco Boat The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show is on from today.

If you’re at the show or heading there, come and visit our friendly Fisheries New Zealand folks on stand number 540. We’re there from 10am to 6pm from Thursday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

Have a chat with our local Fishery Officers and staff about fishing rules for your area, current fisheries consultations, and much more.

We look forward to seeing you there.

*CONSULTATION* We’re inviting feedback on proposed changes to recreational fishing rules for the Auckland and Coromandel area.

The proposals address ongoing community concerns about harvest pressure and the sustainability of shellfish and other marine life found in rocky shore areas and rock pools.

Fisheries New Zealand invites submissions from people who have an interest in these coastal areas and the marine life found there.

To find out more or have your say, visit: https://bit.ly/4d85N0W

The closing date for submissions is 5pm on Friday, 12 June 2026.

Please note that comments on this post to not count as submissions.

🦞Fisheries closure and catch limit changes🦞

The eastern portion of Northland’s spiny rock lobster fishery (CRA 1) and parts of the Auckland fishery (CRA 2) close from tomorrow, 1 April 2026.

The closure prohibits commercial and recreational harvest of spiny rock lobster from Ohao Point, including Pārengarenga Harbour, to the Hauraki Gulf at Cape Rodney.

The daily recreational catch limits for spiny rock lobster in the Northland fishery, and packhorse rock lobster around the country, will also change on 1 April.

The new daily bag limits mean fishers can take:
🦞 two spiny rock lobster per person in the open areas of the CRA 1 fishery, and
🦞 three packhorse rock lobster per person nationwide (PHC 1).

Fishery Officers will be checking peoples’ catch and anyone caught breaking the rules could face a fine of up to $100,000, and risk having any items used in the offending seized.

With the Easter long weekend coming up, make sure you know the rules for wherever you are planning to fish and check your NZ Fishing Rules app every time.

You can find out more about restrictions and closures and download the free NZ Fishing Rules app at: https://fisheries.govt.nz/rules

Anyone who sees any suspected illegal fishing should report it to Fisheries New Zealand by phoning 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224) or email [email protected]

From 12 March, taking shellfish, seaweeds and other rockpool sea life from Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay and Whangaparāoa Peninsula is banned. People breaking the rules may be fined.

Find out more, and see maps of the closure, at fisheries.govt.nz/Hauraki-closures

From 12 March 2026, areas of the eastern coastline north of Auckland will be closed to the take of all shellfish and sea life such as sponges, starfish, sea anemone, and sea cucumbers.

The two-year temporary closure will take effect from 12 March 2026, and will be enforceable by Fishery Officers.

There are existing closures in place for spiny rock lobster and scallops, meaning they are also not allowed to be taken.

Kina (sea urchin) is excluded from the closure and are allowed be taken within the current recreational fishing limits.

For more information, including species and a detailed map of the closed area, see: https://bit.ly/4tyxck2