The fishery officers' union is calling for access to retractable batons and pepper spray to help them confront seafood poachers.
Fishery officers, who already wear stab-proof vests, wanted the additional armoury to deal with poachers and allow them to escape safely from threatening situations, said National Union of Public Employees organiser Martin Cooney.
The union was making the call an election issue.
"Politicians state that there are `no go' areas for fishery officers. This is because their current equipment has gaps, meaning it is not safe for them to go," Mr Cooney said.
"Much of the black market paua and rock lobster (crayfish) poached from such areas in the Wellington/Wairarapa and the Gisborne area is taken to Auckland or overseas."
Many of the poachers had links with gangs and organised crime, he said.
Fishery officers were trained to use handcuffs and open handed combat moves, and travelled in pairs for safety.
