# 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.
- Title: Government plans Kaipara oyster farm to boost exports · RNZ
- Summary: New Zealand government to build commercial oyster farm in Kaipara Harbour using $2.8m from Regional Infrastructure Fund. New Zealand government will fund a…
- Keywords: new zealand, kaipara harbour, oyster farming, mahurangi river, wastewater, regional infrastructure fund, shane jones, oceans and fisheries, watercare, mahurangi oyster farmers collective, te uri o hau, politics
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/political/2085645/government-announces-plans-for-new-commercial-oyster-farm-in-northland-s-kaipara
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-22T04:07:40+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new zealand, kaipara harbour, oyster farming, mahurangi river, wastewater, regional infrastructure fund, shane jones, oceans and fisheries, watercare, mahurangi oyster farmers collective, te uri o hau, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

New Zealand government will fund a Kaipara Harbour oyster farm to address water quality issues and support exports after Mahurangi River sewage spills.