MPI Fisheries - Northland

MPI Fisheries - Northland This page is run by MPI for recreational fishers and the local community to bring you information about managing and protecting local fisheries.

Our job is to help sustainably manage fisheries by working with communities to educate the public and enforce the fishing rules.

*Know the rules*
• Download the FREE NZ Fishing Rules App (the app works without signal or data)
• Find your local fishing rules on our website: www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/recreational-fishing/fishing-rules/
• Pick up a brochure from the office or a local fishi

ng supplies store
• Free text the name of a species to 9889 to get size and bag limits texted to you
• Ring us at the office: www.mpi.govt.nz/contact-us/mpi-fisheries-offices/

*Report illegal fishing*
If you’re out and about and you think that something is happening that shouldn't be, call free on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24). Your calls DO make a difference.

*Community guidelines*
We want to make sure our social media pages are safe for everyone so ask that you please follow our community guidelines. Be respectful
• Don’t make comments that contain offensive, profane, defamatory, threatening, or inappropriate language or intent. This includes language that is racist, sexist, discriminatory, contains potentially harmful advice, or is not accurate.
• Differences of opinion are okay, but comments containing personal attacks towards others, including our employees, will be hidden or deleted.
• If you notice any inappropriate activity, or you're being personally harassed, let us know by direct messaging us. Don’t spam us
• Making the same point repeatedly across the same or different posts is considered spam. If this happens, we may hide your repeated content. Stay on topic
• Only make comments that are relevant to the topic or theme of the post.
• If you disagree with something and make the same point every time we post, or repeatedly post irrelevant content, your comments will be considered spam.
• Don’t post advertisements or solicitations, or use fake accounts or bots to troll our pages. If you have something that you think we might want to share, you can direct message us instead. Protect your own and others’ privacy
• Never post comments containing personal, identifying, sensitive or confidential information. This includes written information as well as photos and videos.
• If we need any details from you, we’ll ask you to direct message us. Personal information shared publicly will be moderated to protect your privacy and the privacy of others.
• By making any contribution to our social media channels – including comments, photos or videos – you’re granting us permission to reuse this content on our channels (e.g., sharing/retweeting a picture). If you have any issues about copyright, you need to talk to us about it as soon as possible. Be aware of the law
• Participating in, suggesting, or encouraging any illegal activity will result in being blocked and you may be reported to the New Zealand Police.
• You are prohibited from posting any videos, images or text referencing criminal activity, or anything that breaches any court orders.
• You are prohibited from posting content that breaches legislation, copyright or intellectual property rights beyond what is protected as fair use.
• You are prohibited from impersonating or leading us to falsely belief that you are someone else or represent a company or brand which you do not. Moderation policy
We encourage feedback, questions and discussion on our social media accounts but ask that you please respect others. We may at our discretion:
• Determine what constitutes inappropriate content;
• Inform you if we remove or edit inappropriate content and give you the opportunity to post revised comments; and
• Block users who breach our community guidelines or Facebook’s terms and conditions of Facebook. If you think behaviour or activity needs to be brought to our attention, we would be grateful if you direct message us. If we block you from our social media channels and you think we’ve made a mistake, contact us on [email protected]

Disclaimer
The content provided on this page is intended to provide accurate information about our work and events in the space that the Ministry for Primary Industries operates in. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information set out on its page is accurate. However, visitors to this page are advised that:
• The information provided does not replace or alter the laws of New Zealand and other official guidelines or requirements;
• MPI does not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever, whether in contract, tort, equity or otherwise, for any action taken, or reliance placed, as a result of reading any part, or all, of the information on its page or for any error, inadequacy, deficiency, flaw in or omission from the information provided;
• All links, shared content, and references to other products, websites or organisations are provided for convenience only and are not, and should not be taken as, endorsement of those products, websites or any information contained in those websites; and
• MPI does not necessarily endorse any website or organisation, which has links to any of our websites. Liking, favouriting or sharing information does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Biosecurity advice
Advice given through our social media channels is not a guarantee that your goods will be cleared. It’s a guide only and is based on the details you provide and New Zealand’s current import requirements which are subject to change. MPI denies any and all responsibility for any inaccuracy, error, or any other deficiency in this information, and also fully excludes any and all liability to the maximum extent permitted by law of any kind to any person or entity that chooses to rely upon the information. For more information on importation requirements please visit www.biosecurity.govt.nz

Come and see us at stand  #540 at the Boat Show 🛥️🎣 It’s that time of the year again – the 2026  The Hutchwilco New Zeal...
14/05/2026

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

It’s that time of the year again – the 2026 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 are seeking feedback on a request for a further two-year shellfish closure at Mair Bank and Marsden Ban...
13/04/2026

CONSULTATION: We are seeking feedback on a request for a further two-year shellfish closure at Mair Bank and Marsden Bank, Marsden Point, Whangārei.

The proposed area starts at the end of the Marsden Point Marine Terminal jetty, proceeding to the Whangārei Harbour main channel port-hand buoys no. 18, no. 16, and no. 14, then proceeding in a westerly direction to the mean high-water mark.

Fisheries New Zealand invites submissions from people who have an interest in the species concerned or in the effects of fishing in the area concerned.

To find out more or have your say: https://bit.ly/3OwXVOm

The closing date for submissions is 5pm, Monday 18 May 2026.

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

🦞Fisheries closure and catch limit changes🦞 The eastern portion of Northland’s spiny rock lobster fishery (CRA 1) and pa...
31/03/2026

🦞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]

*CONSULTATION* We are seeking feedback on a request for a two-year pāua closure at Tauroa Peninsula, Northland. The prop...
10/03/2026

*CONSULTATION* We are seeking feedback on a request for a two-year pāua closure at Tauroa Peninsula, Northland.

The proposed closure area starts near Te Huahua/Iron Gate on Tauroa Peninsula, west of Ahipara, and follows the coastline to near the Hunahuna Stream. The proposed area extends from the mean high-water mark to approximately 2 km offshore, and covers approximately 32.4 km2.

The proposed area excludes approximately 1.8 km² of fisheries waters at the sandy beach near Hukatere Stream.

Fisheries New Zealand invites submissions from people who have an interest in the species concerned or in the effects of fishing in the area concerned.

To find out more or have your say:

The closing date for submissions is 5pm Friday, 24 April 2026.

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

From 12 March, taking shellfish, seaweeds and other rockpool sea life from Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay and Whangaparāoa Peninsu...
09/03/2026

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

A mātaitai reserve has been established in southern Hokianga, Northland.  Te Mātaitai ō Te Hikutū is a traditional fishi...
23/02/2026

A mātaitai reserve has been established in southern Hokianga, Northland.

Te Mātaitai ō Te Hikutū is a traditional fishing ground for Te Hikutū Hapū and has been established to support customary food gathering. The reserve came into effect on 20 February 2026.

The mātaitai reserve covers fisheries waters within part of southern Hokianga Harbour, extending approximately 500 metres from the mean high-water mark between Koutu Point and the Whirinaki River mouth, and includes adjoining freshwater fisheries waters. See the map below 👇

Commercial fishing is prohibited within the mātaitai reserve. Recreational fishing remains subject to the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 2013.

Mātaitai reserves apply only to fisheries waters. They do not restrict access to public land, beaches, or rivers and they do not affect private land ownership, access rights, or land-based activities.

17/02/2026

Brendan enjoys taking people out boating and while the fishing’s good, it’s not all about that.

For more info on how to help stop the spread of invasive marine pests and protect the incredible marine spaces we all enjoy, www.biosecurity.govt.nz/boaties

02/02/2026

Kim loves to take her kids out for an after-school boating adventure and get their friends out fishing.

For more info on how to help stop the spread of invasive marine pests and protect the incredible marine spaces we all enjoy, www.biosecurity.govt.nz/boaties

22/01/2026

Sailing is international racer Brad’s big interest in life. “We’re unbelievably lucky” with the boating opportunities we have here.

For more info on how to help stop the spread of invasive marine pests and protect the incredible marine spaces we all enjoy, https://bit.ly/49FNyiW

*CONSULTATION* We are seeking feedback on a request for a further two-year fisheries closure and net prohibition near Tu...
22/01/2026

*CONSULTATION* We are seeking feedback on a request for a further two-year fisheries closure and net prohibition near Tutukaka and Ngunguru, Northland.

• Proposed fisheries closure of cockle, garfish, mussel, octopus, pāua, p**i, rock lobster, rock oyster, sea cucumber, seahorse, starfish, tuatua, crab and sea snail within the fisheries waters between Middle Gable and Paparoa, Northland, extending offshore for 3 nautical miles.

• Proposed net prohibition within Tutukaka Harbour, the Ngunguru River, and the Horahora River (including the estuaries).

Fisheries New Zealand invites submissions from people who have an interest in the species concerned or in the effects of fishing in the area concerned.

To find out more or have your say: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/proposed-temporary-fisheries-closure-and-netting-ban-at-tutukaka-harbour-ngunguru-bay-and-surrounding-areas-northland

The closing date for submissions is 5pm on Monday, 2 March 2026.

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

Address

121-127 Port Road
Whangarei
0110

Opening Hours

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Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+64800476224

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