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Toheroa poaching a serious concern u by Jill Dickie
Very robust and frank discussions were shared between around 50 people from the Northern Wairoa and Kaipara areas and two MPI Fisheries Northland representatives, on February 18 at the Northern Wairoa Golf Club, regarding illegal toheroa poaching from Ripiro Beach. Among them were several Northern Wairoa marae representatives, who expressed a passionate plea for unity and ownership of the issue by everyone at the meeting, and all people who use the beach, to protect this resource. “The marae of the Northern Wairoa are united in their support of stamping out poaching and illegal collecting of toheroa,” said Kaumatua of Naumai Marae, Tokotoko Retimana. The issuing of customary permits was raised as there is only one kaitiaki from the area issuing locally and concern was expressed about permits being issued from outside the local area. In response, chief compliance officer MPI Fisheries Northland, Phil Tasker, explained from their experience and patrols permits were not the main issue. “It is the overall increase in the amount of poaching incidents and the calls to the 0800 number that has raised alarm bells.” Further discussion was directed on the urgent need for more Honorary Fisheries Officers and Observers. On the job training is provided for the voluntary roles and mileage is reimbursed. “It is unfair for the public to assume and expect retired people to fill voluntary roles. “As the marae representatives explained this is an issue we all need to unite over and take ownership to stop poaching of toheroa,” said Baylys Beach Society chair, Cheryl Carmichael.
p The seriousness of toheroa poaching at Ripiro Beach was addressed at a recent meeting between locals and MPI Fisheries Officers, Phil Tasker and Marcie Cooke
For further information on becoming an officer or observer email marcie. cooke@mpi.govt.nz. The two MPI representatives advised of several current prosecutions in the courts from Ripiro Beach and strongly urged the public to immediately call 0800 476 224 to report any toheroa taking, and email any evidence to ncc@mpi.govt.nz.
“Our 0800 number is like a Fisheries 111. If we are not informed as it’s happening we have no chance of getting there. We are patrolling over this way perhaps more than the public realises,” said Phil Tasker. MPI Fisheries Northland have now agreed to increase their patrols on Ripiro Beach.