A sand-mining operation off Pākiri Beach, north of Auckland, is under scrutiny after allegations that protected marine life may have been disturbed during offshore dredging.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has confirmed it is investigating McCallum Bros over possible breaches of the Wildlife Act linked to the discovery of protected stony coral within approved dredging areas.
Discovery of Protected Coral Raises Alarm
Local resident Damon Clapshaw said he alerted DOC after ecological testing carried out for McCallum Bros identified stony coral in March 2025. He claims dredging continued for months after the discovery, despite the coral being formally identified as protected marine life.
Stony coral is safeguarded under the Wildlife Act and plays a vital role in marine ecosystems, providing shelter and breeding grounds for sea life. Clapshaw said coral was later found across most of the areas approved for extraction, prompting him to submit a detailed file of evidence to DOC.
He also questioned why dredging vessels repeatedly worked the same narrow paths and was told much of the seabed was off-limits due to coral presence.
DOC Investigation and Company Response
DOC border and species trade manager Ben Cornelius confirmed two alleged Wildlife Act breaches are being investigated. While details remain confidential, he said penalties could range from infringement fines to prosecution, with maximum fines reaching $300,000.
DOC expects to complete an internal review and confirm next steps in early 2026. The agency said this is the first time McCallum Bros has been investigated.
McCallum Bros chief operating officer Shayne Elstob said the company has responded to DOC’s inquiries and does not admit to any breaches, describing the complaint as one made by a private individual.
Past Concerns and New Dredging Plans
Clapshaw said the investigation follows a history of environmental concerns at Pākiri, including deep seabed trenches and breaches of consent conditions. While Auckland Council took no formal enforcement action, McCallum Bros previously lost an Environment Court case over dredging at the site, with the court criticising the quality of the company’s ecological evidence.
The company has since stopped mining at Pākiri but is seeking approval for a much larger sand-mining project at Bream Bay. The proposal would extract more than eight million cubic metres of sand over several decades, a plan that has drawn strong opposition from local councils, iwi groups and environmental advocates.
Whangārei District councillors have voted unanimously against the project, while community group Bream Bay Guardians say the allegations at Pākiri raise serious questions about the risks to marine life if the new operation is approved.
McCallum Bros says the Bream Bay project would provide a long-term supply of sand for construction across northern regions. A full application is yet to be lodged and will be assessed by an independent expert panel.
