Whānau work collectively to protect Pukepuke Lagoon

For generations, the annual tuna heke has marked one of the most significant times of the year for our people. The migration of tuna carries deep cultural meaning. It’s a time to gather, harvest our kai, preserve it, and be together on our fisheries.

Last year we chose not to fish, allowing the area to rest. But something wasn’t right, our main spot didn’t overflow as it usually does, where the silver bellies run in an incredible sight.This raised serious concerns regarding the health of this taonga ecosystem.

Our hapū visited the area following reports that drainage works undertaken under the oversight of the Department of Conservation had significantly altered water levels and impacted the ecology of the lagoon.

The timing is particularly concerning. The absence of the expected abundance of tuna in key customary harvesting areas has heightened fears that the migration may have been disrupted, with potentially long-term implications for future generations of tuna and the continuation of customary practices associated with the tuna heke.

Te Tūmatakahuki acknowledges and supports the concerns raised by our hapū representatives and whānau who witnessed the impacts firsthand. Their observations reinforce the importance of ensuring that taonga ecosystems are managed with appropriate care, local knowledge, and meaningful engagement with mana whenua.

This situation also highlights wider challenges facing conservation agencies. Places such as Pukepuke Lagoon require sustained investment, adequate resourcing, and strong partnerships with tangata whenua to ensure that management decisions uphold both ecological integrity and cultural values.

As kaitiaki, we have a collective responsibility to advocate for the protection and restoration of our waterways and the species that depend upon them. Te Tūmatakahuki will continue to work alongside our hapū and partners to seek greater understanding of what has occurred and to ensure that the voices and aspirations of Raukawa are present in conversations regarding the future management of this important site.