A rāhui has been placed on gathering pāua from Tauroa, Ahipara, to protect the treasured seafood stocks.
A rāhui has been placed on gathering pāua from Tauroa, Ahipara, to protect the treasured seafood stocks.
Pāua is off the menu from a small stretch of Far North coastline after a rāhui was introduced by the local community to help shellfish stocks replenish.
Tauroa (specifically Tauroa Peninsula and Point) is located just west of Ahipara, at the southern end of 90 Mile Beach.
The group took decisive action to protect the rapidly declining pāua population at Tauroa, by officially establishing a rāhui after the consultation.
The rāhui comes after ongoing concern about the number of pāua taken from the area for hui across Te Tai Tokerau and extends from Te Huahua (Iron Gate) to Honuhonu in the south.
Kaumātua Haami Piripi leads a karakia at Patito, Ahipara, to mark a rāhui on gathering pāua from the area.
Taipari said concerns about the huge number of pāua being taken had been ongoing for years, but it was now time for all parties ‘to get together to work on a solution’.
The Minister of Fisheries, Shane Jones has endorsed the rāhui, recognising the strength of partnership between government agencies, hapū, and iwi, and the importance of innovative, community-led approaches to marine sustainability.
There was unanimous support at the Wainui Marae hui to implement the rāhui immediately.
A ritual ceremony was conducted at Patito by local kaumātua Haami Piripi, who delivered a karakia in the presence of more than 30 attendees.
A hui at Wainui Marae on November 30 implemented a rāhui on gathering pāua around Tauroa, in the Far North.
Speaking on behalf of the collective, local kaumātua John Paitai emphasised the urgency of preventing the local extinction of pāua and reaffirmed the significance of Māori customary practices that enable whānau to gather kaimoana responsibly.
While kaumātua led the kaupapa, the strong participation of knowledgeable rangatahi brought a renewed sense of optimism for the long-term future of the fishery and the wider coastal environment.
Taipari closed the proceedings by confirming increased monitoring efforts, improved collaboration between partners, and enhanced data sharing, which will help deepen understanding of pressures on the pāua fishery and support the development of a broader suite of management solutions.
The hui was marked by unity, positivity, and collective determination. With widespread support from stakeholders, the rāhui signals a meaningful step toward “pāua to the people” – ensuring the species can thrive once again for current and future generations, spokeswoman Lisa McNab said.
An MPI spokesperson said traditionally, tangata whenua protected their fisheries resources when they were under pressure.
Far North leaders Haami Piripi, John Paitai and Patau Tepania.
‘‘Under tikanga Māori, rāhui are respected. Adherence to a rāhui is voluntary and generally well supported.
“To provide statutory support for their rāhui, tangata whenua may request a temporary closure under section 186A of the Fisheries Act, which can be for up to two years.
