About the National Rock Lobster Advisory Group
The National Rock Lobster Advisory Group (NRLAG) and its predecessor the National Rock Lobster Management Group has been a forum for robust and meaningful discussion of rock lobster fisheries management since 1992 and has informed the development of sustainability measures for New Zealand’s rock lobster fisheries.
The NRLAG provides formal engagement opportunities between representatives of tāngata whenua, the recreational and commercial fishing sectors, environmental NGOs and Fisheries New Zealand, recognising the shared interests in rock lobster fisheries.
The NRLAG provides advice to Fisheries New Zealand on rock lobster management, including:
- input into the development of management proposals for rock lobster, including management objectives, procedures, catch settings and spatial management
- input into research and management planning and prioritisation related to the management of rock lobster fisheries
- reviewing summary reporting relevant to rock lobster fisheries and sharing any insights on that information
- notifying Fisheries New Zealand of any significant rock lobster management issues.
The NRLAG does not replace Fisheries New Zealand’s statutory obligations to provide for the input and participation of tāngata whenua or to consult with iwi and hapū representatives or organisations that hold or exercise these rights and interests.
To request minutes from meetings or if you have questions about the group, email NRLAG@mpi.govt.nz
Rock Lobster Advisory Group members
- Chantal Mawer: Representing North Island and Chatham Island tāngata whenua / Te Ohu Kaimoana
- Nigel Scott: Representing South Island tāngata whenua / Te Waka a Māui me Ōna Toka Fisheries Forum
- John Holdsworth: Representing the recreational sector / New Zealand Sport Fishing Council
- Joshua Barclay: Representing the recreational sector / New Zealand Underwater Association
- Barry Weeber: Representing the environmental sector / Environmental Conservation Organisations of New Zealand
- Chantal Pagel: Representing the environmental sector / Forest & Bird
- Mark Edwards: Representing the commercial sector / New Zealand Rock Lobster Industry Council
- Phil Tasker (Fisheries Compliance): Representing Government / MPI fisheries compliance
- Howard Reid (Principal Fisheries Analyst): Representing Government / Fisheries New Zealand
- Bruce Hartill (Principal Scientist): Representing Government / Fisheries New Zealand
- Emma O’Malley (Secretariat) Representing Government / Fisheries New Zealand
Terms of Reference
National Rock Lobster Advisory Group Terms of Reference 2025 [PDF, 114 KB]
Find out more about fishing rules for rock lobster
Commercial fishing requirements
Biology and life cycle of rock lobster
Rock lobster biology [PDF, 674 KB]
Rock lobster life cycle [PDF, 422 KB]
