A group of people at the Army Bay rock pools. Photo: MARK LENTON / SUPPLIEDThe government is making moves to stop people stripping rock pools of sealife in north Auckland. Local iwi Ngati Manuhiri is seeking a two-year ban on harvesting shellfish along the city's eastern coastline to allow marine life to recover. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones told RNZ's Morning Report programme today he is considering bans and an education campaign. "People have different tastes in what they like to eat and enjoy, and harvesting from the shore of fresh seafood material is something that they enjoy.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 18, 2026 22:55 UTC