Shellfish ban at Cockle Bay begins
Gathering shellfish in Auckland's Cockle Bay is no longer permitted, as a year-round ban on collection comes into force tomorrow.
Fisheries New Zealand enforced the closure after research showed a significant drop in the number of large cockle in the area.
In a statement, Fisheries New Zealand's manager inshore fisheries north, Jacob Hore, said that this ban was in place to help the population recover and will be reviewed after a period of three years.
"We use the best available science and information to determine if changes are required to management settings to ensure our fisheries remain sustainable. This information, along with feedback through public consultation, shaped our advice to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries on his decision to implement a full year-round closure at Cockle Bay/Tuwakamana," he said.
What you need to know:
- There is a ban on gathering any intertidal shellfish including cockles, green lipped mussels, oysters, crabs, limpets, starfish, periwinkles, whelks, barnacles, and snails.
- Signs have been updated and fisheries officers will be regularly patrolling the area.
- The closure will be reviewed after three years.
Fisheries NZ is encouraging beach-goers who see any suspicious activity to report it to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24)
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
It’s Riddle Time! Beat the Neighbourhood with Your Smarts!
Which of the following words don't belong in the group and why?
CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS
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Te Atatu Food Truck Friday Christmas market - THIS Friday - December 6th
Te Atatu Food Truck Fridays special Te Atatu Twilight Christmas market is on THIS Friday (December 6th). There will be a selection of Auckland’s best street food along with over 25 Christmas market stalls inside the main hall and Te Atatu repair café. Get your Christmas shopping done and get some tasty dinner treats too!
Save the date at Save the date at www.facebook.com....
December 6th - 4:30pm to 8:30pm – Te Atatu South Community Centre.
The food trucks joining the night will be:
- Those Guys J & M - Philly cheese steak rolls, burgers, fries and irresistible cookies.
- Baya Taco’s - Everyone's favourite authentic Mexican cuisine queen.
- Mr and Mrs Food - tasty meat on rice/ chip dishes, summer rolls and crunchy cheesy hotdogs
- The Langos Lady- Hungarian Fried Bread with sweet and savoury toppings
- Akemi’s Gyoza - Japanese Dumplings that just get you craving more.
- Cream Ice Cream – Delicious real fruit ice cream and chocolate covered strawberries
- Victor and Vern - Coffee and iced, hot chocolate
We will also have a free ReCreators Christmas workshop. The 249 Edmonton road art gallery will also be open with items for sale.
Come grab some tasty food and soak up the community vibes. Plenty of seating available or picnic in the park. Parking available on site and the grass field behind the St Johns hall. Walking or cycling up makes it even easier.
A great way to spend a Friday night.