Auckland takeaway becomes 2nd taking tarakihi off menu

A favourite seafood is off the menu at a family-owned Auckland fish and chip shop, in response to reportedly low stock levels of the fish.

Tipene’s Takeaways is no longer selling Tarakihi and is one of two known shops in New Zealand that have taken this action; the other is located in Christchurch.

Auckland shop owner Stephanie Pene said that the business hoped to maintain the long-term preservation of the popular and tasty species.

“We want to make sure there is plenty of land and sea and everything that comes with that for our babies and their future,” said Ms Pene.

The move comes after an assessment by the Ministry of Primary Industries last year found that Tarakihi stock levels on the East Coast were under 16% of their natural numbers, a rate considered to be over-fished.

Ms Pene, who owns the fish and chip shop with her partner Kieran, said there had been positive reaction from customers despite going without their favourite fare, and she encouraged other business owners to do the same.

“Everyone wants other shops to follow suit,” she said.

Josh Barclay, advisor for fish sustainability organisation Legasea, said that it was positive to see the business take affirmative action.

“It’s incredible that a small company like this is standing up,” Mr Barclay said.

He said that he would like to see other businesses take Tarakihi off the menu but noted that, “not all businesses are in this position”.

Ms Pene said there were many other options available for businesses and customers in place of Tarakihi, depending on the species and the location and capturing technique.

“There’s plenty more fish in the sea,” she said.

Mr Barclay’s advice to those wanting to eat sustainable fish species, was to ask fish and chip shops ‘where, when and how’ the fish on their menu was caught.

“They should know the answers,” he said.

He said the Best Fish Guide was a helpful resource for consumers wanting to educate themselves on fish species to avoid.