A partnership between Mahurangi oyster farmers and Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust, and government funding support, marks a significant step forward for aquaculture in Northland.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Under-Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries Jenny Marcroft have advocated for Mahurangi oyster farmers as they worked through recurring harvest disruptions and ongoing business uncertainty.
The Minister made a major funding announcement at Pahi in Kaipara today which will provide some assurance that the farmers can continue to grow great oysters.
The Government's commitment of up to $2.8 million from the Kānoa Regional Infrastructure Fund will support new aquaculture infrastructure in Kaipara Harbour, including a six-hectare oyster relay site and a three-hectare commercial pilot oyster farm at Pahi.
Mahurangi Oyster Farmers' Association President Lynette Dunn said the funding represents a major turning point for farmers who have endured years of disruption from repeated harbour closures caused by sewage overflows.
"A year ago, oyster farmers in Mahurangi Harbour were struggling to see a way forward," she said. "We needed a solution that would help secure our businesses and create opportunities for future generations who may one day want to own and operate oyster farms in the Mahurangi."
Dunn said farmers were grateful for the support of Government, Northland Regional Council and many others, and she is proud of what had been achieved alongside Te Uri o Hau in a short period of time.
"Rather than allowing the challenges in Mahurangi to define our future, we've taken action. By establishing a presence in the Kaipara, we're creating greater certainty for our farmers when Mahurangi comes under pressure.
"This is a story of practical collaboration, shared knowledge and determination. Together, we're creating opportunities for employment, industry growth and future generations."
The relay site will enable oysters from Mahurangi Harbour to be temporarily relocated and naturally purified during harvest closures, helping farmers maintain supply and reducing the impact of disruptions.
The pilot oyster farm will support Te Uri o Hau's aquaculture aspirations while building capability for future expansion in Kaipara Harbour. Mahurangi farmers will work alongside Te Uri o Hau, sharing skills, knowledge and practical farming experience.
"Our goal is to help establish a successful operation that creates local jobs, produces high-quality kaimoana and provides opportunities for people to build careers in the industry," said Dunn. "Over time, we hope to see this grow and unlock further oyster farming opportunities in the Kaipara."
Aquaculture New Zealand Chief Executive Tee Hale Pennington welcomed the announcement, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in both the oyster industry and iwi aquaculture aspirations.
"This is a significant investment in the future of New Zealand aquaculture," she said. "It gives oyster farmers greater confidence, supports iwi-led development and demonstrates the Government's commitment to growing our primary industries."
Pennington said the project demonstrated what can be achieved when industry, iwi and government work together.
"Mahurangi farmers produce around a quarter of New Zealand's oysters and have shown remarkable adaptability in the face of ongoing challenges. This investment strengthens the resilience of a nationally significant industry while providing confidence for farmers to continue investing in their businesses."
She said the focus on developing aquaculture capability within Te Uri o Hau was particularly exciting.
"Combining infrastructure investment with mentoring from experienced oyster farmers creates a pathway for skills development, business growth and long-term opportunities within Northland communities.
"This investment supports local employment, regional economic development and the sustainable growth of an industry that has an important role to play in New Zealand's future."
Rhys Manukau, Tumu Whakarae and Chief Executive Officer of Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust, said the partnership represents an important step towards Te Uri o Hau's long-held aquaculture aspirations.
The people of Waihaua Marae and Te Uri o Hau hold mana whenua and mana moana in Arapaoa and have been sustained by the kaimoana of the Kaipara for centuries.
"Aquaculture has long been an aspiration for our iwi, so we're pleased to be partnering with experienced oyster farmers in a way that delivers benefits for everyone involved," he said. "This collaboration helps address challenges facing Mahurangi farmers while creating a pathway for Te Uri o Hau to enter the oyster farming industry."
Manukau said the project is a modest but important first step that demonstrates a viable and scalable model for future oyster farming development.
"It provides a platform for future commercial opportunities, economic development and employment within our rohe and for our people."
Read the official Beehive press release here.
Funding announcement at Pahi today (22 October 2026)
Mahurangi Oyster Farmers’ Association President, Lynette Dunn
Rhys Manukau
“It provides a platform for future commercial opportunities, economic development and employment within our rohe and for our people.”