Community Action Against Kina Barrens Begins to Show Results with New Special Permits

Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative becomes first community group approved to remove kina from Hauraki Gulf as part of a Government-backed effort to revive marine habitats.

New rules empowering local communities to tackle the growing problem of kina barrens are starting to deliver positive results, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. The first special permit under this new framework has been granted to Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative, enabling the removal of excess kina from the Hauraki Gulf in a bid to restore the health of local marine ecosystems.

“Kina barrens are a serious issue for our coastal habitats, which is why I made them a priority and introduced a new special permit purpose this year. This allows for the removal and translocation of kina from areas where they’re causing ecological harm or where there’s a risk of barren formation,” said Mr Jones. “The first permit has been approved, marking an important step in community-led marine restoration.”

Kina barrens are areas where kina (sea urchins) overgraze on kelp forests, resulting in barren, rocky seafloors devoid of the marine life that kelp habitats support. By removing excess kina, local communities can help revive kelp growth, bringing back biodiversity and strengthening fish populations that depend on these habitats.

The Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative, a volunteer-driven group working alongside iwi, community organizations, and other local stakeholders, was the first approved for this effort. The group has identified sites in Te Kohuroa/Mathesons Bay where overabundant kina have created barren areas, reducing the coastal habitat’s biodiversity and resilience. The group will hold its first community volunteer day for kina removal on Saturday, November 16, allowing the public to participate in the project.

“This is exactly the kind of initiative the new permit system was designed to support. It allows communities to take meaningful action by directly removing kina, with the goal of restoring vital kelp forests and enhancing marine habitats for future generations,” Jones explained.

In addition to direct removal, the special permits allow for kina translocation, helping to relocate these sea urchins to areas where their populations are better balanced. The long-term aim is to prevent the formation of new barrens, which are a growing concern for New Zealand’s marine biodiversity, particularly in heavily impacted areas like the Hauraki Gulf.

The issue of kina barrens has gained attention from marine scientists and environmental groups, who warn that the spread of these barrens threatens the health of New Zealand’s marine ecosystems. The kelp forests in these habitats serve as breeding grounds and nurseries for many fish species, making their protection and restoration crucial for fisheries and biodiversity.

Te Kohuroa Rewilding Initiative’s efforts have drawn support from local iwi and conservation organizations, reflecting a broader trend of community-led environmental stewardship. Volunteers will assist in harvesting excess kina, a hands-on way to contribute to the restoration of their local environment. The initiative’s first community event invites residents to join in this meaningful conservation work and learn more about the ecological impacts of kina barrens.

Minister Jones expressed optimism that the success of this first project would inspire other communities to apply for special permits and engage in similar restoration efforts. “We’re committed to providing the tools and support communities need to protect and restore their marine environments. Te Kohuroa’s initiative demonstrates how effective these partnerships can be, with local knowledge and hands-on efforts making a real impact,” he said.

The Government plans to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these projects in reversing kina barrens, with the hope of expanding the program to other areas facing similar ecological challenges.