MPI have opened a period of consultation on an application from Te Whānau a Kauaetangohia Hapū for a mātaitai reserve at Cape Runaway in the Bay of Plenty.

Mātaitai reserves are areas closed to commercial fishing that may have bylaws affecting recreational and customary fishing.

The initial consultation is asking for submissions on the proposal from the local community and closes on the 5th of July.

For the consultation documents and further information click here.

Following the local community consultation period, a second consultation phase will begin for persons who take fish, aquatic life, or seaweed or own quota, and whose ability to take such fish, aquatic life or seaweed or whose ownership interest in quota may be affected by the proposed mātaitai reserve.