Request for a further temporary closure of Umupuia beach, Manukau, to the harvest of cockles

Pursuant to section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996 (the Act), the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has received a request from Ngai Tai Umupuia Te Waka Totara Trust, on behalf of Umupuia Marae and Ngai Tai, for a further two-year temporary closure of Umupuia Beach, Manukau, to the harvest of cockles. The current temporary closure is due to expire on 15 October 2012.

The Trust considers that a further two-year closure will allow continued growth of the local cockle population and further recruitment.

The proposed temporary closure includes that area of New Zealand fisheries waters enclosed by a line commencing at a point known as Te Puea at the western end of Umupuia Beach at mean high water mark (36˚53.77’S and 175˚03.82’E); then proceeding in a straight line in a south-easterly direction to Whakakaiwhara Point (36˚54.05’S and 175˚05.88’E); then proceeding along the mean high water mark to the point of commencement. The proposed temporary closure is approximately 1.4 sq km.

Section 186A provides that the Minister for Primary Industries may temporarily close an area, or temporarily restrict or prohibit the use of any fishing method in respect of an area, if satisfied that the closure, restriction, or prohibition will recognise and provide for the use and management practices of tangata whenua in the exercise of non-commercial fishing rights by: 

• improving the availability and/or size of fish, aquatic life, or seaweed; or
• recognising a customary fishing practice.

A detailed map of the proposed area is available for download below, or by contacting MPI at the address below. 

 Download Umupuia Beach Map (PDF 800KB)

Written submissions in response to this request are invited from persons who have an interest in the species concerned or in the effects of fishing in the area.

A public notice calling for written submissions is in the New Zealand Herald on Thursday, 16 August 2012.

The closing date for submissions is Thursday, 6 September 2012.

Submissions should be sent to:
Randall Bess
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140
randall.bess@mpi.govt.nz