Jones does not rule out closing Mahurangi Harbour to oyster harvesting

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones did not rule out completely shutting Mahurangi Harbour to oyster harvesting. Mahurangi oyster farms produce about a quarter of New Zealand's oysters. An October 2025 sewage spill contaminated tens of thousands of oysters, and Watercare, the water company, compensated ten farmers. Jones has announced plans for a $2.8 million Kaipara oyster farm.