Far North news in brief: Crayfish ban; water conservation and kids voting plan

A spiny rock lobster (crayfish) ban from the east coast of Northland to Hauraki Gulf will help rebuild the vulnerable fishery, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says

Rock lobster ban

A ban on taking spiny rock lobster (crayfish) from the east coast of Northland to Hauraki Gulf will create a network of protections to help rebuild the fishery, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Under the previously announced closure, which came into effect on April 1, commercial and recreational harvest of crayfish is banned from Ohao Pt, including Pārengarenga Harbour, to Hauraki Gulf at Cape Rodney. It connects to an existing closure of the inner Hauraki Gulf, creating a chain of restrictions along the northern east coast.

Water saved

Efforts to save water by residents and businesses are being credited with preventing taps running dry in Kaikohe on Friday night, and similar supply issues in Rāwene and Ōmanaia over the weekend. The Far North District Council asked households and businesses in Kaikohe, Rāwene and Ōmanaia to urgently reduce consumption last week after the storm affected treatment plants and stream supplies. The communities reduced consumption quickly, giving contractors time to make repairs and address leak reports.

Fatal crash

A person died after a crash on State Highway 12 in the Far North on Monday. The single-vehicle crash in Taheke, near Kaikohe, was reported to police about 9.15am. The person was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. SH12 was closed between Horeke Rd and Rakauwahia Rd while the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene.

Kids voting

Northland schools wanting to help students understand November’s general election can get resources from the Electoral Commission, which has opened registrations for the 2026 programme of Kids Voting – Te Pōti a Ngā Tamariki, a free civics education programme. It builds up to a mock election in Term 4, which gives students experience of the voting process. More information on the programme can be found on kidsvoting.nz.