The Mermaid Pools could be temporarily closed by a local hapū over environmental concerns. Photo: Supplied via NZ HeraldOne of Northland's most popular tourist spots, the Mermaid Pools near Matapouri, could be temporarily closed by a local hapū over environmental concerns. The picturesque, turquoise tidal rock pools are enormously popular, drawing in tourists and locals alike. But hapū Te Whanau ā Rangiwhakaahu is concerned about the degrading environmental, cultural and spiritual wellbeing of the taonga, known as Te Wai o Te Taniwha. "I used to catch snapper in the mermaid pools in the 90s when I lived at Matapouri and the sea life in this pool was plentiful.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 14, 2019 21:00 UTC