The Government has approved an extension of some shellfish harvesting bans in parts of the Hauraki Gulf, at the request of three iwi.

Until August 2028,  Umupuia Beach on Auckland's Pohutukawa Coast, is closed to the taking of cockles,  while Te Mātā and Waipatukahu on the Thames coast is closed to the taking of cockles, mussels, oysters, and pipi.

The taking of mussels, pāua, and packhorse rock lobster will be banned on Waiheke Island. 

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says there's big issues at stake related to this, and bigger challenges impacting the Hauraki area.

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