The Hapu placed a traditional rahui over Maunganui Bay in March 2009.  'Rahui' is a Maori customary management term.  In this context, it means a temporary tapu or closure of an area by Hapu, as the traditional guardians of the area.  The purpose of the rahui is to enable the seriously depleted fish stocks to regenerate.

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In 2010, Hapu successfully applied to the Ministry for Primary Industries for statutory support.  Maunganui Bay is now closed under section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996 to all fishing except for kina.  Fines of up to $100,000 can be imposed on anyone caught breaching the rahui.  The Ministry recently extended the closure for another two years until 13th October 2020.

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Under the rahui, predator species such as kingfish, snapper and crayfish are regenerating, the natural balance is being restored and reef communities are thriving.  As the fish mature and reproduce, the benefits of the rahui are spilling out into the wider Bay of Islands.

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In managing Maunganui Bay, Hapu have forged unique relationships with the local dive operators, Fish Forever, Northland Regional Council and Fisheries New Zealand, who assist in providing stock assessments, monitoring reports and site supervision.  

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The dilemma for Hapu is that the rahui is only a temporary protection measure, but the creation of a permanent marine reserve under the Reserves Act 1977 would remove the Site of Significance status Hapu hold and the traditional rights of Hapu over what happens in Maunganui Bay in the future.