Fisheries New Zealand is inviting feedback on applications from iwi for temporary fishing closures across 3 separate areas within the Hauraki Gulf.
The proposed closures cover Waiheke Island, Umupuia Beach near the Duder Regional Park, and the coastline of Te Mātā and Waipatukahu and, if approved, would prohibit the take of some shellfish species from these areas for 2 years, says Emma Taylor, director fisheries management.
“We support traditional customary fisheries management such as rāhui and consider a range of views along with the best available science and information. This includes information we receive from tangata whenua and people who have valuable insights about what’s going on in their fisheries — it’s local knowledge from people who know their fishery well. “
The applicants, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, and Ngāti Tamaterā are members of the Pou Rāhui Research Project, an initiative incorporating mātauranga Māori alongside modern scientific tools to restore identified marine taonga species within rāhui areas of their rohe. The project is aimed at developing iwi capability for assessing the need for rāhui and managing their implementation.
Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, and Ngāti Tamaterā, have expressed concern for the long-term sustainability of certain taonga species in their rohe moana.
“The removal of fishing pressure is an immediate way we can help these taonga species recover so they continue to provide for future generations,” says Ms Taylor.
Summary of proposed temporary closures:
Waiheke Island: Prohibit the take of kūta (mussels), kōura (rock lobster), pāua, and beach cast tipa (scallops), the taking of other scallops is already prohibited.
Umupuia Beach: Prohibit the take of tuangi (cockles).
Te Mātā and Waipatukahu: Prohibit the take of tio (oysters), kūtai (mussels), pipi, and tuangi (cockles).
“We’d like to hear from anyone with an interest to understand the viewpoints and experiences of the people affected by the proposals. This information is considered alongside science and any other relevant facts to develop advice for the Minister who will make the final decision.”
Submissions can be made online by 5pm on 7 June 2024.
Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback on a request for 3 temporary fishery closures in the Hauraki Gulf. The request is for areas at:
Waiheke Island
Umupuia Beach
Te Mātā and Waipatukahu
The request is from Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, and Ngāti Tamaterā. Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea support the request as part of the project ‘Pou rāhui, pou tikanga, pou oranga: reigniting the mauri of Tīkapa moana and Te Moananui-ā-Toi’. Please note that the East Coromandel request by Ngāti Hei has been withdrawn.
The temporary fishery closures have been requested under section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996.
The requests are for 2 years.
We invite written submissions from anyone who has an interest in the species concerned or in the effects of fishing in the areas concerned.
Section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996 allows the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries to 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.
The recreational pāua fishery along the Kaikōura coast opens today for a limited 2-month season.
“The fishery was closed for almost 5 years after the 2016 earthquake which caused significant uplift affecting the marine life and the coastal environment around Kaikōura and South Marlborough,” says Fisheries New Zealand principal analyst and Kaikōura resident Howard Reid.
“This is the third recreational season since the earthquake and, while it’s good to see the pāua fishery recovering from the severe impacts it faced, this limited season takes a precautionary approach to support its continued recovery.”
Options to reopen the fishery for a 2024 recreational fishing season were publicly consulted as part of Fisheries New Zealand’s regular sustainability review for the April fishing year.
“We received feedback from across a range of interests, mostly in support of opening the fishery for 2 months,” says Howard Reid.
“We’ll be closely monitoring the fishery during the season and keeping in touch with iwi and the local community on what they’re seeing. This information will help us estimate the level of recreational take, and what adjustments might be needed for future seasons.
“The pāua has improved to a level that can sustain some fishing activity, however it’s important that people follow the rules and take only what they need for a feed so the fishery can continue to provide for future generations.”
The daily bag limit for the area is 3 pāua per species per person from Marfells Beach to the Conway River with a minimum size of 125mm for blackfoot pāua and 80mm for yellowfoot pāua. When gathering over multiple days, there is a maximum accumulation of 2 daily limits.
“There are some areas in the region that remain closed or have lower bag limits and different minimum sizes for pāua. These include a marine reserve, 2 mātaitai, and 2 taiāpure,” says Mr Reid.
“People should check the rules before they go out to make sure the area is open and that they know the applicable size and daily bag limits. Only those actually gathering can take a daily limit, as you cannot take for other people. Fishery officers will be patrolling the coast and checking people’s catch during the season to make sure the rules are being followed.”
The limited recreational pāua season will close on 21 June 2024.
The easiest way to keep up to date with the rules is to download the free NZ Fishing Rules App or speak to your local fishery officer.
Director of Financial Stability Assessment & Strategy Kerry Watt says each year we run stress tests to assess banks’ resilience. The key stress-test for New Zealand’s five largest banks in 2023 featured a scenario called ‘Too Little Too Late’ that tested their ability to withstand severe but plausible long-term climate-related challenges.
“We deliberately designed the climate stress test scenario to be challenging. It included high physical and transition risks over a prolonged period of 28 years. Our aim was to assess the financial impact of the scenario on the banks’ balance sheets and uplift their capability in managing climate related risks,” Mr Watt says.
“The results show that the Too Little Too Late’ scenario did not threaten bank solvency, as all banks were able to maintain their capital ratios. However, it did highlight that climate-related risks have the potential to significantly reduce bank profitability, raise risk-weighted assets and reduce shareholders’ returns over the medium to long term. This tells us that climate related risks need to be actively managed to protect the resilience of the system to other shocks.
“The stress test also improved banks’ capability in managing climate-related risks in several areas. These include modelling, sourcing of climate relevant data, informing insurance retreat impacts, embedding climate expertise widely across the organisation and identifying strategic actions to mitigate the risks.”
We have released a number of recommendations with our findings that include banks addressing significant remaining data gaps, continuing the development of credit risk modelling using climate-risk variables, and considering cost-effective ways of tracking the insurance status of mortgages. We expect all banks to reflect on these recommendations and are considering how we might support banks that did not participate in this stress test to incorporate them into their risk monitoring and management activity.
“It’s important to recognise the Too Little Too Late scenario represents only one way New Zealand’s climate scenario could play out. Banks will consider others as part of their own internal risk management and to feed into mandatory climate-related disclosures. We would like to express our thanks to the banks that participated.”
The Reserve Bank will continue to play an active role in monitoring this work undertaken by entities as they draw on the learnings from our stress testing activities, our guidance on managing climate-related risks, and related supervisory discussions.
From 19 April 2024 to 16 July 2024, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on a proposed new import health standard for importing zoo equids.
The import health standard (IHS) specifies the biosecurity requirements that must be met when importing these animals. The new IHS will replace an existing import health standard for the importation of zebras from Australia into New Zealand.
Full details of the proposed changes are in the consultation documents.
the title of the consultation document in the subject line of your email
your name and title, if applicable
your organisation’s name (if you’re submitting on behalf of an organisation)
your contact details (for example, phone number, address, and email).
While we prefer email, you can send your submission by post to:
Manager Animal Imports Ministry for Primary Industries PO Box 2526 Wellington 6140 New Zealand.
All submissions received by the closing date will be considered before the amended import health standard (IHS) is issued. MPI may hold late submissions on file for consideration when the issued IHS is next revised or reviewed.
Steps to finalising the new IHS
After consultation on a draft import health standard, MPI publishes a provisional IHS.
If you made a submission during the consultation, you have 10 working days to notify us that you intend to request an independent review. Reviews are limited to whether specific scientific evidence was given sufficient consideration.
If no review is requested within 10 working days, then the provisional IHS is confirmed and the final IHS is issued.
MPI must consult with interested parties in accordance with section 23 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) and MPI’s consultation policy before issuing or amending (other than of minor or urgent nature) import health standards (IHS) under sections 24A and 24B of the Act.
An IHS specifies import requirements that must be met either in the country of origin or of export, or during transit, before biosecurity clearance can be given for the goods to enter New Zealand. MPI must ensure that these requirements are technically justified and provide an appropriate level of biosecurity protection.
Energy Safety has extended its clampdown on Serene wall mounted bathroom heaters, which don’t meet New Zealand’s safety standards. This now involves the following Serene models: S2068, S207T, and S2069.
Serene Classic S2068
We’ve prohibited sale, use, installation, and importation of Serene Classic S2068 wall mounted bathroom heaters. This prohibition applies to all units imported, sold, or installed since June 2018. This expands on the prohibition published in February this year, which was limited to specific serial number ranges.
Serene S2068 heaters are unsafe. Testing has found these heaters are non-compliant with safety standards. A series of fires and overheating incidents are associated with these heaters. More recently, events have occurred outside the previously prohibited serial number range.
There is a significant risk of people being seriously harmed or property being damaged through use of these heaters.
The prohibited S2068 heater is described as follows:
Wall mounted fan heater with step-down thermostat with pull-cord on-off switch, for fixed-wired installation in bathrooms and similar locations.
Available finishes include mirror polished stainless steel metal shell with die cast grille, and also known to come in a range of colours including white and black.
Dimensions: 300 mm wide, 210 mm high and 110 mm deep.
Serene S2068 heater
Serene S207T
We’ve prohibited sale, installation, and importation of Serene S207T wall mounted bathroom heaters. This prohibition applies to all units imported, sold, or installed since January 2018.
Testing has found Serene S207T heaters are non-compliant with safety standards. There is a low risk they may be unsafe, however we are not aware of any fires or overheating events with these heaters.
The prohibited S207T heater is described as follows:
Wall mounted fan heater with step-down thermostat control.
Available finishes include stainless steel or white with gray wall bracket and cast metal grille.
Approximate dimensions: 375 mm wide, 220 mm high and 140 mm deep.
Serene S207T heaters
Serene S2069
Serene S2069 wall mounted bathroom heaters imported, purchased, or installed after June 2018 have had their approval withdrawn. This confirms they cannot be legally sold in New Zealand.
Serene S2069 heaters are non-compliant with safety standards. We are currently investigating a reported fire associated with one of these units.
Energy Safety will continue to monitor for incidents involving any of the above Serene models, and may take further actions if necessary.
What to do if you have a bathroom heater in your home
Check the make and model of the heater in your bathroom.
If your heater is a Serene model S2068, do not use it. If you can’t unplug it from a wall socket, you should arrange for removal by an electrician.
If your heater is a Serene model S207T or S2069, Energy Safety considers there is a low risk from continued use. However if you observe an unusual smell or noise from the heater, do not use it and contact an electrical worker to check it over.
Simon Gallagher, National Manager, Consumer Services at MBIE:
“The Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) guarantees that products must be of acceptable quality, including safe to use and fit for purpose. Where a product is not of acceptable quality, you have the right to a refund, repair, or replacement. MBIE recommends that consumers who have the S2068 contact the business they purchased it from to arrange for its return under the CGA. Consumers who have the S2069 or S207T and are concerned may also wish to contact the supplier to seek a remedy under the CGA. For more info see Product safety | Consumer Protection(external link)“
If you are a supplier of heaters
Serene models S2068, S2069, and S207T are all non-compliant with safety standards and cannot legally be imported, sold, or installed.
We are working with MBIE to contact known suppliers.
Simon Gallagher, National Manager, Consumer Services at MBIE:
“MBIE is aware of the issues found with the Serene appliances and is working with Energy Safety and the retailers of these products to discuss what they can do to ensure the safety of their customers. As part of this work, MBIE is encouraging these retailers to undertake a voluntary recall.”
A North Otago pair have been ordered to do 360 hours community work, along with being placed on 12 months supervision for online sales of poached pāua.
Sheryl Maafu (49) and Niuila Maafu (59) were sentenced in the Oamaru District Court yesterday on a joint charge of illegally selling pāua under the Fisheries Act, following a successful prosecution by Fisheries New Zealand. Sheryl Maafu was ordered to do 200 hours community work while Niuila Maafu was ordered to do 160 hours community work. A 2019 Ford Ranger, a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe along with a range of diving gear was forfeited to the Crown.
The Maafus sold pāua meals through a Facebook site and obtained customary permits for fictitious birthday events to gather pāua.
“It’s illegal to sell recreationally caught seafood and the Maafus knew this. They also broke the trust of a tangata tiaki by gaining customary permits for various birthday events that never happened – yet they gathered and kept the pāua. When we find evidence of illegal fishing, we will hold people to account,” says Fisheries New Zealand district team leader, fisheries compliance, Ian Henderson.
In May 2023, a fishery officer became aware of a package being couriered from Oamaru that contained pāua. The package was intercepted and had about 12kgs of minced pāua. Fisheries New Zealand was also tipped off about an online site owned by Sheryl Maafu called ‘Always Kingdom Fundraiser’ which was advertising meals for sale including creamed pāua for $10 a meal.
A Fisheries investigation was launched with search warrants executed in June 2023 at 2 premises in Kakanui and Oamaru, and the bank accounts of Sheryl Maafu were also examined.
At the Kakanui building investigators found 139 shucked pāua of which 129 were less than the legal size. At the Oamaru building, they found 513 pāua shells and 442 of these shells were less than the legal size. In July 2023 fishery officers formally interviewed both defendants about poaching pāua.
“They admitted illegally selling recreationally gathered pāua through online Facebook sales which they were doing by either cash or bank deposits. Sheryl Maafu, who organised the customary authorisations told us she knew what she was doing.” Ian Henderson says.
In total, investigators found 621 ordinary black foot pāua shells. In 2023 this amount of pāua, based on the minimum shellfish size had a commercial retail value of $8,281.
Additionally, 22.65kgs of pāua that was seized from the Maafus held a commercial retail value of $3,827.
MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24)
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
The Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board, on behalf of the Patuharakeke hapū, has requested a further 2-year temporary closure to the harvest of all shellfish from Mair Bank and Marsden Bank, Marsden Point.
Fisheries New Zealand invites written submissions about the requested closure from people who have an interest in the species concerned or in the effects of fishing in the area concerned.
Section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996 allows the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries to temporarily close an area, or temporarily restrict or prohibit the use of any fishing method in an area.
Inland Revenue has produced Special Reports on three of the measures in the newly enacted Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Act 2024 to provide early guidance.
Trustee tax rate
The trustee tax rate has been aligned with the top personal tax rate of 39%. A $10,000 threshold has been introduced to help prevent the over-taxation of lower-income trusts.
Special report: 39% Trustee tax rate
Further changes to the rules for the platform economy
In March 2023, new GST rules for marketplace operators involved in the supply of ride-sharing/ride-hailing and delivery services for food and beverages, as well as for marketplace operators and listing intermediaries involved in the supply of accommodation services. Additional changes have been made to those rules to ensure the rules are workable and consistent with the policy intent.
Special report: GST on accommodation and transportation services supplied through online marketplaces
Offshore gambling duty
The new legislation also introduces a new gaming duty. From 1 July 2024, offshore operators will be required to pay a 12% gaming duty,
Special report: Offshore gambling duty
These will be included in full coverage of the new legislation in an upcoming Tax Information Bulletin.