Ngati Kahungunu Ki Wairarapa iwi is delighted with support from the commercial fishing sector, to the placement of an extensive rahui off the coast.
The ban on fishing, the collection of kaimoana and on swimming in a five kilometre long stretch of the sea, follows the disappearance of a recreational crayfisherman a fortnight ago, off Sandy Bay south east of Martinborough.
An extensive sea and aerial search found the man's small inflatable boat, but failed to recover a body.
Iwi general manager Paul (or Peejay) Devonshire said the rahui extends 5km, from Manuwera Point in the south, to Te Awaiti Point in the north.
He said the key stakeholders in the area are commercial cray fishing boats and those who dive for paua.
Mr Devonshire said all of those approached have bought in to the month long rahui, which is great.
Signs have been put up along the coastline and he hopes visitors to the region will respect the ban.
The rahui will remain until mid-February.
