The approaching West Coast whitebait season could be one like no other if Covid lockdown levels are not relaxed - with no one out fishing.
There is some confusion over fishing rules and lockdown alert levels.
Some believe they can whitebait at level 3, others are of the understanding they cannot until level 2, while whitebaiters in the North Island are fishing now in level 4 - and, according to Whakatane police, they are not breaking the rules.
Senior Sergeant Al Fenwick told RNZ yesterday the best information police had was that whitebaiting, or food gathering in a safe manner was allowed, therefore police were taking a common sense approach.
"As long as there were no bubble breached, people were staying close to home, not travelling to participate in whitebaiting and keeping safe on land - the activity is permitted," Snt Sgt Fenwick said.
However, West Coast Whitebaiters Association president Rob Roney is not so sure.
"No one should be whitebaiting - even North Islanders whose season has already started. There are people up north whitebaiting and as far as I am concerned they shouldn't be, especially not in lockdown level 4.
"West Coasters are not allowed to anyway because the season hasn't started."
The West Coast season opens on Wednesday September 1, while the rest of New Zealand has been fishing since August 15.
Mr Roney said official websites gave mixed messages.
"The Government website says people can whitebait at level 3 and the DOC (Department of Conservation) site says they cannot.
"The Government site says it all - and that's the one people should follow."
Cobden identity Kevin Herring, who has been whitebaiting for 78 years, said the poor weather had stopped most people from even thinking about getting organised for the season.
"(And) from what I understand when we are at level 4 or 3 we can go for a walk, do some exercise, but can't whitebait anyway - that's because if someone falls in the river and gets into trouble they will be putting rescuers' lives at risk."
Mr Herring (87) said he had intended giving up whitebaiting after last season, but expects to be on the river again this year, alert levels permitting.
"I decided to do this season, but that's it. We are going to hit by a wealth of regulations next season."
Nancy Fahey from Greymouth, who fishes her son's stand on the Hokitika River, said she would not be out till level 3 and hoped that would be before open day on September 1.
"I am looking forward to going down to the river and maybe catching some whitebait, or maybe not. I do it just for fun."
The Greymouth Star understands quite a few visiting whitebaiters are already in South Westland, having made the trip in the 48-hour travel grace period as the country was put into lockdown last week.
Mr Roney said he would not be heading off to his stand until level 3.
"Last time we were in lockdown people did come over, and I suspect they have again."
- By Viv Logie
