Celebrating Coastal Protection at Okoromai Bay

On a stunning Sunday, 22 March 2026, whānau, community members, and kaitiaki gathered at Okoromai Bay for a special occasion hosted by Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust — a Section 186a Community Celebration marking an important step forward in protecting our local coastline.

Bathed in sunshine and surrounded by the beauty of Shakespear Regional Park, the day was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose. It was a chance to acknowledge not only the outcome, but the immense mahi behind the scenes that made it possible. A heartfelt mihi and kihi to everyone who attended, and especially to those who worked tirelessly to bring the event to life.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

At the heart of the celebration was the recent introduction of a two-year protection over parts of our coastline, effective from 12 March. This follows a proposal led by Ngāti Manuhiri to MPI and Fisheries NZ, responding to growing concern about the depletion of shellfish, seaweed, and other life in our rockpools and intertidal zones.

For many in the community, the impacts have been visible and confronting — once-abundant areas stripped bare, ecosystems under pressure, and a sense of urgency to act. This rāhui-like protection is a significant and positive step toward allowing these environments to recover.

Challenges Still Ahead

While the announcement is a major win, it also highlights important gaps and opportunities for future action.

Partial Protection

Not all proposed areas were included in the current ban. Locations such as Waiwera and some local estuaries remain unprotected, leaving them vulnerable to continued harvesting pressure.

This outcome reflects the process: objections received by MPI meant some areas could not be included at this stage. However, there is a clear pathway forward. Monitoring and observation will play a critical role, and if pressure shifts into these unprotected areas, there is scope for the Minister to extend protections.

For now, the guidance is simple: observe, record, and report — but do not confront.

A Bigger System Issue

This protection also sits within a wider challenge. Currently, only certain intertidal species are regulated, while many others remain unprotected. A more effective long-term approach would flip this model — establishing blanket protection, with harvesting only permitted where clear, sustainable limits are defined.

Looking Ahead — A Call to Collaborate

Days like this are about more than celebration — they are about connection, momentum, and the road ahead.

There is a real opportunity here to work alongside the drivers of this kaupapa, building stronger collaboration between iwi, community groups, environmental organisations, and agencies. By aligning efforts, sharing knowledge, and supporting monitoring and advocacy, we can help shape what comes next.

This is not the end of the journey — it is a powerful beginning.

As was felt so strongly on the day:

Plenty more mahi ahead, whānau — but moments like this remind us what we can achieve together.