Conservation, maritime safety, fishing rules

Conservation, maritime safety & community

On 25 June 2026 the Tamaki Marine Asset Hub was opened at the western end of the OBC's site. This area is owned by Auckland Council, known as Hakamau Reserve. It is now home to marine assets for organisations such as Coastguard, NZ Police, Surf LifeSaving NZ, LegaSea, and Auckland's Harbourmaster. These organisations are able to park their boats at the Asset Hub and use OBC's ramps and other facilities such as wash stations.

The OBC has been a long-time supporter of conservation efforts in the Hauraki Gulf and beyond. Below are some of these initiatives and organisations.

Fishing restrictions and rules

If you want to fish recreationally in New Zealand, you're legally required to follow the fishing rules. These change often and are different around the country.

Visit the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website.

Fisheries officers at the OBC
Fisheries officers regularly come to the OBC to carry out checks. To report a potential illegal fishing activity, phone 0800 47 62 24.

(October 2025) High Protection Areas (HPAs) in the Hauraki Gulf

Some popular fishing spots used by OBC members can no longer be fished. See map overview and link to more information.

(August 2026) Temporary 2-year shellfish closures at Waiheke Island, Duders Beach and other locations
The Minister for Oceans and Fisheries has imposed temporary 2-year shellfish closures at Waiheke Island, Umupuia/Duders Beach, Te Mātā and Waipatukahu.

Waiheke Island is closed to the take of mussels, pāua, and packhorse rock lobster. The temporary closure includes all that area of New Zealand fisheries waters within 1 nautical mile of Waiheke Island but excludes Te Matuku Marine Reserve. More info here

(August 2026) Proposed local rock lobster management measures at Aotea Great Barrier Island
The proposals, supporting documents and maps can be found here

Length-based Fishing Competitions

On 31 August 2018, the OBC became the first boat Club in NZ to run all its competitions on a measure-only basis, giving the anglers the choice to either keep or release their catch while still being eligible for prizes.

Fishing contests have traditionally focused on killing and weighing the biggest fish. Photographing the fish on a measure empowers contestants to keep as many of the best-eating fish they need while releasing any others. That means OBC members can potentially be rewarded for a significant catch and have the option to release it.

Motuihe Island

The Outboard Boating Club is a strong supporter to the Motuihe Trust.

Offering administrative assistance, member volunteer and member donations.

To view the work and environmental related activities being undertaken by the Trust on the island visit www.motuihe.org.nz

Mussel Reef Restoration Trust

Revive Our Gulf

The OBC supports the Hauraki Gulf Mussel Reef Restoration Trust group of scientists, planners, conservationists, recreational fishers, community advocates, council staff, educators, environmental and community advocates.

Kai Ika Project

Feeding communities with previously under utilised Kai Moana

The Outboard Boating Club of Auckland, Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae have teamed up with LegaSea to develop the Kai Ika Project.

The Kai Ika project utilises fish heads, frames and offal which were previously going to waste. Since September 2016 previously discarded fish parts have been collected from the OBC by Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae whanau and redistributed to families and community groups in South Auckland who value these fish parts and enjoy their sweet flesh.

Motukorea (Browns Island)

The OBC provides a base for volunteer trips to the Island for restoration, a meeting space plus loads of member volunteers.