Pursuant to section 11 of the Fisheries Act 1996, the Minister for Primary Industries, after having regard to the matters specified in sections 5, 9, 10, 11, and 12, gives the following notice.

N o t i c e

1. Title—This notice is the Fisheries (Whangateau Harbour Cockle and Pipi Harvest Closure) Notice 2015.

2. Interpretation—In this notice:

Cockle means any shellfish of the species Austrovenus stutchburyi.

Pipi means any shellfish of the species Paphies australis.

Whangateau Harbour means that area of the New Zealand fisheries waters enclosed by a line that:

1. commences at the eastern end of the northern-most groyne at Omaha sand spit (Te Taumutu Point) at 36°19.27′S and 174°46.70′E; then
2. proceeds across the entrance to the Whangateau Harbour to Ti Point at 36°19.17′S and 174°47.05′E; then
3. proceeds along the line of mean high water springs in an anti-clockwise direction around the Whangateau Harbour to the point of commencement.

3. Commencement—This notice comes into force on 7 January 2016.

4. Whangateau Harbour closed for the taking of cockles and pipi—A person must not take cockle or pipi from the Whangateau Harbour, or possess cockle or pipi taken from the Whangateau Harbour, while this notice is in force.

5. Customary Fishing—This notice does not restrict the taking of fish, aquatic life or seaweed taken in accordance with:

1. Regulations 50 and 51 of the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 2013; or
2. Regulation 52 of the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 2013; or
3. the Fisheries (Kaimoana Customary Fishing) Regulations 1998.

6. Revocation—The Fisheries (Whangateau Harbour Cockle and Pipi Harvest Closure) Notice 2013 (Notice No. MPI 130), published in the New Zealand Gazette, 21 February 2013, No. 21, page 574, is revoked on the close of 6 January 2016.

Dated at Wellington this 3rd day of December 2015.

Hon NATHAN GUY, Minister for Primary Industries.