Paterson Inlet Explained

Paterson Inlet (officially Paterson Inlet / Whaka a Te Wera^[1]) is a large natural harbour—specifically a ria—in the eastern coast of Stewart Island, New Zealand. Much of the land surrounding Paterson Inlet is unspoilt forest, and runoff into the harbour is especially clean.

History

This region was first inhabited by the Māori, who settled at a locale known as The Neck, which is a long peninsula that extends across the mouth of the inlet from the southern coast. The only town on Stewart Island, Oban is located on the north coast of the inlet, close to its mouth. In earlier times, the inlet was used as a base for whaling. Southern right whales were the main target in this area and over exploited. However, their sightings around the island are increasing recently.

Geography

Paterson Inlet has three main arms; North Arm and South West Arm lie at the upper reaches of the inlet, 15 kilometres from its mouth. Big Glory Bay, the third arm of the inlet, lies behind The Neck in the southeast of the inlet. The inlet drains the Rakeahua and Freshwater Rivers, the latter of which drains a large swampy valley that covers much of the northern part of the island.

Several islands lie in the inlet, notably Ulva Island and Native Island.

Fishing

In 2004, the majority of Paterson Inlet was made a mātaitai reserve, a type of marine reserve which prohibits commercial fishing while allowing customary rights to fish, as well as recreational fishing.^{[2] [3] [4]} The reserve, designated Te Whaka a Te Wera Mātaitai Reserve, does not cover the Ulva Island–Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve which was also created in 2004, but was designated a marine reserve to prohibit all fishing.^{[5] [6]}

External links

• Paterson Inlet Mātaitai Reserve Fishing Bylaws and Recreational Fishing Rules – Fisheries New Zealand brochure for fishing in the inlet

Notes and References

1. Web site: Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998 No 97 (As at 12 April 2022), Public Act Schedule 96 Alteration of place names – New Zealand Legislation .
2. Web site: Industries . Ministry for Primary . 2024-02-12 . Managing customary fisheries MPI - Ministry for Primary Industries. A New Zealand Government Department. . 2024-08-16 . www.mpi.govt.nz . en-NZ.
3. Web site: Fishing and aquaculture | MPI - Ministry for Primary Industries. A New Zealand Government Department. www.fish.govt.nz . https://web.archive.org/web/20041109051705/http://www.fish.govt.nz/current/press/pr8604.htm . November 9, 2004.
4. Web site: Te Whaka Ā Te Wera Paterson Inlet Mātaitai Reserve fishing Bylaws and Recreational Fishing Rules . mpi.govt.nz . Fisheries New Zealand Tini a Tangaroa . 15 April 2023.
5. Web site: Ulva Island-Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve . 2024-08-16 . www.doc.govt.nz . en-nz.
6. Web site: Paterson Inlet Mātaitai Reserve Fishing Bylaws and Recreational Fishing Rules . Fisheries New Zealand.