Whangaparaoa’s fragile rock pools spark urgent conservation protest this weekend

A peaceful protest will take place this weekend to highlight the decline of marine life in Whangaparaoa’s rock pools. Organisers want a ban on harvesting shellfish and seaweed along Auckland’s eastern coastline, warning that current practices are destroying fragile ecosystems.

Residents and supporters will meet at the Army Bay boat ramp at 10am on Saturday to call for stronger protections for the area’s rock-shore habitats.

The protest follows years of growing concern over the heavy harvesting of kaimoana and other sea life. Mark Lenton, a local resident and member of the Protect Whangaparaoa Rockpools group, has described how visitors have stripped the rock pools using tools like chisels and hammers. He argues that without intervention, the damage will only worsen.

Local leaders have also voiced support for the cause. Hibiscus and Bays Local Board chairperson Alexis Poppelbaum noted that the area’s ecosystems are under increasing strain. Albany Ward councillor Victoria Short backed the community’s efforts, along with those of Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, which has applied for a two-year legal ban on harvesting in the region. The trust’s chair, Wayne Ngakuru, previously secured an injunction against mussel and seaweed collection along Auckland’s East Coast.

The government is expected to respond soon. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has confirmed that a decision on Ngāti Manuhiri’s request will be announced next month.

The protest aims to push both authorities and shellfish gatherers to change their practices before more harm is done to the coastline.

The event at Army Bay will bring together residents, supporters, and local iwi to demand action. If the proposed ban is approved, it could stop all harvesting of shellfish and seaweed from the rock pools for two years. The outcome will determine whether stronger protections are put in place to restore the area’s marine life.