From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 10s
Government plans Kaipara oyster farm to boost exports
New Zealand government to build commercial oyster farm in Kaipara Harbour using $2.8m from Regional Infrastructure Fund.
In brief
New Zealand government to build commercial oyster farm in Kaipara Harbour using $2.8m from Regional Infrastructure Fund. New Zealand government will fund a Kaipara Harbour oyster farm to address water quality issues and support exports after Mahurangi River sewage spills. Originally reported by RNZ.
Government announces Kaipara oyster farm
Government plans new commercial oyster farm in Northland's Kaipara Harbour.
Water quality issues disrupt harvests
Wastewater flows into Mahurangi Harbour near Warkworth have caused oyster harvest disruptions.
Funding for oyster farm infrastructure
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones commits $2.8m from Regional Infrastructure Fund for three-hectare farm.
Relay site and infrastructure
Funding covers six-hectare relay site and oyster farming infrastructure including vessels and moorings.
Mahurangi oyster production impact
Mahurangi oyster farms produce a quarter of New Zealand's oysters but water quality closures disrupt harvests.
Watercare compensation for spills
Watercare compensated ten farmers after sewage spill contaminated tens of thousands of oysters in October 2025.
Oyster farmers' partnership with iwi
Te Uri o Hau and Mahurangi Oyster Farmers Collective partner to establish commercial oyster farming.
What matters most
New Zealand government will fund a Kaipara Harbour oyster farm to address water quality issues and support exports after Mahurangi River sewage spills.
