Maina Island ra'ui (Aitutaki lagoon, 2025)

On 7 January 2025 the Aitutaki community re-established a traditional ra'ui (fishing ban) at three lagoon locations, one of which is Maina Island (a sand cay / 'Honeymoon Island' motu at the south-western extreme of Aitutaki Lagoon). All fishing, including spearfishing, is prohibited inside the ra'ui; fines of up to NZ$1000 apply, with catch/equipment confiscation and boat impoundment. Ra'ui locations are to rotate (planned shifts every five years, next from 2027).