Dive Pacific for New Zealand Underwater Association

21/08/2026

Want to stay up to date with what's happening under the sea?

Our fortnightly e-newsletter is an easy way to get the latest news, views, features and discussions straight to your inbox. Whether it's environment news, the latest on underwater sports like spearfishing and hockey, equipment advice and reviews or you're simply looking for a bit of inspiration on where to dive next, we've got you covered.

Click on the link to sign up - see you there!

Sea anemone photo credit Judy Ormandy

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15/08/2026

Locals at Aotea Great Barrier Island have requested local rock lobster management measures in their waters.

The change will affect both recreational and commercial fishers, and Fisheries New Zealand is asking for feedback.

Click on the link in comments to learn more about the proposals, what they might mean for you, and how to submit your feedback.

15/08/2026

Does the punishment fit the crime? Multiple parties colluded to profit from the illegal supply of crayfish to the Rees Hotel in Queenstown.

The article doesn’t say how many trips were taken, or the number of times the diver supplied crayfish to the hotel; however it does say THL charged up to $4650 for their services.

Diver David Casey has been fined $3750 for his part in the offending; the hotel was fined $22,000 last July for its part in the offending.

Basic maths would suggest that the only group who has not profited from this is the crayfish population.

Given we’ve had multiple stories this year alone on the illegal catching/transport/relocating of kai moana, including mussels and oysters as well as pāua and crayfish, are the fines being imposed - both on individuals and on companies - a good enough deterrent?

A luxury helicopter and crayfish-gathering experience was marketed to tourists as showcasing “amazing fresh produce of New Zealand”. But it has now led to an Invercargill diver being fined.

12/08/2026

Tomorrow there’s a debate about the future of our oceans. Shane Jones and New Zealand First has been invited, but are currently not on the list of politicians who have responded.

NZ First supporters are saying it’s a non-event if Jones isn’t attending - but if he refuses to show up to an event where all other parties are represented, does it make the event less important?

We all know how vital it is to ensure the future of our oceans. So what do we do if all other parties want to connect, but the Minister for Fisheries isn’t playing ball?

Christopher Luxon has had other issues this week, but he tells us it’s back to work now. Should it be ‘back to work’ for Jones too - or does he get to stay home for this one?

EDIT:

Live stream now available at:

https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/361060480/parties-tace-over-future-new-zealands-ocean

Link in our story

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Event tomorrow! 🚨

What do New Zealand’s political parties have to say about the future of our ocean?

Join us this Thursday 13 August for our pre-election oceans debate, where these political party representatives will go head-to-head on some of the biggest issues facing our moana - from the future of bottom trawling and marine protection to fisheries reforms.

The debate will be moderated by The Post’s Andrea Vance, and if you can’t make it in person it will be livestreamed.

Seats are limited, but we still have a few spaces left – head to the link in our bio to secure your ticket.

11/08/2026

We may not be able to dive to over 600m yet, but we'll always be fascinated by what can be found down there.

74 years after crashing into the Atlantic, a sonar drone has discovered the Pan Am Clipper Endeavour Douglas DC-4 off the coast of Puerto Rico.

The discovery of this important wreckage is even more remarkable due to its being found by chance.

04/08/2026

Have you ever been in the water and had a close call with a speeding or carelessly-driven boat or vessel?

Did you report it?

Chances are, you answered 'yes' to the first question and 'no' to the second. Because that's what most of us do - breathe a sigh of relief and be happy it wasn't our turn this time.

Most close calls and near misses aren't reported to anyone, resulting in the official record showing it hardly ever happens. We know that's not the case.

We've teamed up with Spearfishing New Zealand to try to find out how often these incidents are happening - and we need your help. If you've ever had a boat come through too fast, or too close, while you were in the water - diving, snorkelling, spearfishing, swimming or freediving - we want to hear from you.

Click on the link below to find out more, and to take part in this survey. Results are anonymous, and answers are tick-boxes only so it won't take long.

Whether the incident was last week, last month, last year or last century - your input is important.

Results will be used for safety and educational purposes.

03/08/2026

According to Seafood New Zealand, the New Zealand seafood industry generates $5.2 billion in economic output every year. That's a decent slice of our income - so it's very difficult to understand why five companies have been sentenced for biosecurity offending that risks the very industry they make money from.

Read the link in bio for details on the results of a two-year investigation from Ministry for Primary Industries.

Given our seafood industry had total export earnings of close to $2,2 billion in 2024, do you think these fines go far enough to protect New Zealand's seventh-largest export earner?

24/07/2026

Tomorrow - Saturday July 25th - is World Prevention Drowning Day. After 10 years of our drowning numbers going down, this year has bucked the trend - and new numbers suggest New Zealand's drowning figures will hit three figures by the end of 2026.

The latest research has come up with some truly scary stats. Click on the link in comments below ⬇ to find out which group has become the most at risk of drowning, and what to do if you find yourself - or someone else - in trouble in the water.

16/07/2026

We need your help again.

As you may have heard, tarakihi stocks are in trouble. Serious trouble.

The reasons this Kiwi staple is in such dire straits shouldn't have happened - but it seems that a scientific error means it's been in sharp decline for almost a decade.

While a complete closure of the fisheries isn't an option, Fisheries New Zealand wants to hear your thoughts on how we can prevent tarakihi from disappearing completely.

Submissions are only open until 5pm on July 24th, so we don't have long to act. As we've seen before, your voice does make a difference, so please click on the link in comments to find out what's been happening, and to have your say.

Your voice matters.

14/07/2026

Wellington has been doing it tough recently, with untreated sewage still pouring into the ocean, and yet more feisty weather testing the boundaries - which is why we love this story from Island Bay Marine Education Centre so much!

This school holidays is the perfect time to take the kids along to meet Henrietta the Cutest Friendliest Little Octopus in the World - sounds like she's keen to say hi!
If you're around

Gender Reveal.

Last week Henry the Fisherman caught the Cutest Little Octopus in the World. Rather than using it for bait he delivered it to us so all our visitors could learn about these amazing creatures.

For a few days it was the Shyest little Octopus in the World. It was so shy it hid away in its cave and rarely ventured out. So, no one could get a good look at it to find out whether to name it Henry or Henrietta.

Then, after it became familiar with its new home it transformed into the Friendliest Little Octopus in the World.

Come and visit Henrietta the Cutest Friendliest Little Octopus in the World @ the Bait House.

Better hurry, Henrietta stops seeing visitors at 3pm.

Photo of Henrietta the Cutest Friendliest Little Octopus in the World thanks to Sean Hearst.