Northland Rock Lobster Changes Come Into Force

A new closure for the eastern portion of Northland’s spiny rock lobster fishery (CRA 1) and parts of the Auckland fishery (CRA 2) takes effect from 1 April 2026.

The closure bans both commercial and recreational harvest of spiny rock lobster from Ohao Point, including Pārengarenga Harbour, to the Hauraki Gulf at Cape Rodney says Fisheries New Zealand regional manager north, Andre Espinoza.

“Along with existing closures introduced in early 2025, this provides protection for spiny rock lobsters along the east coast of the North Island from Northland to the northern tip of the Coromandel at Port Jackson, including the inner Hauraki Gulf,” says Andre Espinoza.

Andre Espinoza says the daily recreational catch limits for spiny rock lobster in the Northland fishery and packhorse rock lobster around the country also reduce from 1 April 2026.

The new daily bag limits mean fishers can take:

•    two spiny rock lobster per person in the open areas of the CRA 1 fishery, and

•    three packhorse rock lobster per person nationwide (PHC 1).

“Fishery Officers will be checking people’s catch and anyone caught breaking the rules could face a fine of up to $100,000. They also risk having any items used in the offending seized, including vehicles for more serious offences.

“Fishing rules can change often so it’s important that anyone heading out for a spot of fishing checks rules before they go. Even if you fish regularly the rules could have changed since you last went out.

“The easiest way to keep on top of rule changes is to check your NZ Fishing Rules app every time. If you don’t have the app, download it and make it a part of your fishing toolkit,” says Andre Espinoza.

More about these changes and how to download the free NZ Fishing Rules app can be found on MPI’s website: https://fisheries.govt.nz/rules

Anyone who sees any suspected illegal fishing should report it to Fisheries New Zealand by phoning 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224) or email [email protected]

-    Ministry for Primary Industries