With whitebaiting season officially under way, Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council is reminding fishers to enjoy the season responsibly while helping to look after important flood protection infrastructure.

The council’s rivers and drainage operations manager, Dan Batten, said people are welcome to make the most of the season but asks that they take care not to interfere with flood protection structures when setting up or fishing.

“We know whitebaiting is an important cultural tradition for many people and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it. At the same time, it’s really important that flood protection structures such as floodgates, culverts and stop banks are not damaged or obstructed,” Batten said.

“From time to time, we’ve seen fishers interfering or tampering with floodgates, which can stop the gates working properly. That creates a risk when we get heavy rain and need those gates to protect nearby communities.”

Batten said the Regional Council’s main focus is to ensure stands and fishing activities don’t cause harm to the environment or interfere with flood protection assets.

“Our flood protection network plays a vital role in keeping people, property and farmland safe. A little extra care from fishers goes a long way in helping us maintain that protection.”

The council is also encouraging fishers to follow good practice, such as using the same access track to help protect riverbanks, seeking landowner permission before crossing private land, and being mindful that whitebait numbers are in decline.

The 2025 whitebaiting season runs from September 1 to October 30, with fishing permitted between 5am and 8pm (standard time) or 6am and 9pm (daylight saving time).

For more information on whitebaiting in the Bay and flood protection infrastructure, visit www.boprc.govt.nz/whitebaiting