Auckland commuters are being warned to brace for major delays today as hundreds of recreational fishers join a 30-kilometre convoy protest against the Government’s new Hauraki Gulf protection rules.
The “One Ocean Protest” — led by well-known figures in the recreational fishing world, including NZ Fishing Community leader Ben Chissell, Addicted to Fishing host Nicky Sinden, Daiwa manager Scott Cushman, and popular fishing creator Injun — is rolling from Albany to Mission Bay with boats, jet skis, and trailers in tow.
Chissell said the protest was sparked by mounting frustration over the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Act, which creates new High Protection Areas but controversially grants five commercial ring-net operators exclusive rights to fish inside two of those zones. Recreational leaders say they “missed that fight” when HPAs were created, but will not miss this one.
“There’s no denying we’re angry about losing some of our favourite fishing grounds,” organiser Ben Chissell said. “This is our moment to stand shoulder to shoulder and fight for what’s on the table now — and be ready for what’s coming.”
According to the One Ocean Protest group, the movement centres on four key demands: banning commercial fishing inside HPAs, ensuring fish — a public resource — aren’t managed without regular public input, preventing new species such as marlin and vulnerable reef fish from being opened to commercial sale, and prioritising feeding New Zealanders rather than exporting low-value catches overseas. The group points to recent proposals allowing commercial sale of dead marlin and reef species, warning this would incentivise targeting already fragile populations.
“Where there’s money to be made, there’s always the opportunity to exploit best intentions,” the group stated. “The trust was broken with broadbill — we don’t want to see the same happen again.”
The convoy is scheduled to leave Albany Park and Ride at 8.30am before travelling over the Harbour Bridge and along Tāmaki Drive. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says drivers should expect widespread congestion around Oteha Valley Rd, State Highway 1, and key city routes.
“NZTA and Auckland Transport will be closely monitoring the impact through our joint operations centre,” a spokesperson said.
Police will also be observing the convoy, focusing on safety and minimising disruption.
Chissell said predicting turnout was impossible, though more than 3000 people have followed the protest’s Facebook page.
“This is quite unusual — we’re not usually the type of people who protest,” he said. “I’ve run plenty of fishing events, and you’re lucky to get 25% of people to show up. So we’ll see what happens.”
Organisers say today’s action is just the beginning, vowing to fight future fisheries decisions they believe threaten both sustainability and public access to New Zealand’s waters.
It’s all about stopping the public from being able to feed themselves one day soon… the filth making these rules allow the destruction of vulnerable species while allowing wholesale takes by commercial interests and yet… Just like the riff raff at COP 30 who fly around the world and destroy the rain forest to have a one off meeting.. the hypocrisy of this act stinks of the same corruption…it’s actions like this by this current government that is going to cost Luxon the election… who to vote for though is the big issue… the other side of the beehive is worse…. we need a new bunch in charge with commonsense…and not controlled by “Overseas Foreign Entities”… eh WINSTON…
It’s all about ongoing H Clark initiated and inspired Political corruption.
Everyone knows there should be cameras on fishing boats… except fisheries minister Shane Jones.
Everyone knows there should be zero commercial fishing in Harbour breeding grounds….. except fisheries minister Shane Jones
Everyone knows that allowing broad bill side catch will lead to the ocean raping fishing companies targeting broadbill….. except fisheries minister Shane Jones
Or maybe Shane Jones does know how much these nonsensical fishery decisions are worth to unscrupulous commercial fisherman……. and fisheries minister Shane Jones.
Māori have guaranteed access to customary fishing rights in the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana, which are protected under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and regulated by the Fisheries Act 1996. Authorised customary non-commercial fishing can continue to take place in new high protection areas, provided it has written approval from the local tangata kaitiaki (guardian) and is for a customary purpose. These rights are managed locally by tangata kaitiaki within their rohe moana (area of guardianship).
And this should bd stopped too. Maori only needed customary rights when they continued to live in separate villages. Now they buy from supermarkets. This is now a racist rule that has no place in modern society. The ToW was not intended in this way, and indeed has zero articles relating to it.
If You can locate it Billy T James in the ‘Fishing Sketch’
Featuring Barry Crump
https://www.facebook.com/100050286408421/videos/barry-crump-and-billy-t-jamesfishing-licence/1812710832459817/
If a survey of all the protesters on the One Ocean protest was done, to see how many supported the anti mandate covid jab or any of Brian Tamakis protests ,or were against it, and now they obviously see the govt for the shit it is, believe their stance is going to change the govt mind. Brave for recreation but not for freedom of self
Its all about agenda 2030…