Whitebaiters urged to protect flood infrastructure during season

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council is reminding whitebaiters to enjoy the season responsibly and take care not to interfere with flood protection structures while setting up or fishing. The council's rivers and drainage operations manager, Dan Batten, said there have been instances of fishers tampering with floodgates, which can prevent them from operating correctly — creating real risk when heavy rain hits and communities need that protection.

Batten said flood protection assets such as floodgates, culverts, and stop banks are critical to keeping people, property, and farmland safe, and that a little extra care from fishers goes a long way. The council is also encouraging good practice such as using the same access track to minimise riverbank damage, seeking landowner permission before crossing private land, and being mindful that whitebait numbers are in decline.

The 2025 whitebait season runs from 1 September to 30 October, with fishing permitted between 5am and 8pm on standard time, or 6am and 9pm during daylight saving. Further information about whitebaitng and flood protection infrastructure is available at www.boprc.govt.nz/whitebaiting.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).