The reserve extends from a large triangular beacon at the mouth of the Ouepoto Stream in the north, to another beacon 100 metres south of the end of Long Range Road at Blackhead in the south. It also extends 1.853 kilometres (1.151 mi) offshore from the mean high water line, with the depth ranging from 24 metres (79 ft) and 36 metres (118 ft).[4]
The large tidal platform provides a habitat for octopus, crayfish, wandering anemones, and other species. The warm East Cape current and the colder South Wairarapa current mix offshore, bringing together species from north and south of the reserve that are not usually seen together. Rock lobsters are also regularly seen.[1]
When Ngāti Kahungunu settled the Central Hawke's Bay, Porangahau's descendant Te Aomatarahi was given the lands east of the Tukituki River. It was then divided further between his descendants, Tu Mapuhiarangi and Te Angiangi. The local hapū Ngāti Kere gave the marine reserve the name Te Angiangi as it was the area under his mana.[4]
The reserve was formally established on 4 August 1997,[5] after many years of work by the Department of Conservation and the local community.[4]
In April 2011, heavy rainfall during a shallow magnitude 4.5 earthquake caused the full width of the rock platform to be inundated with 14 landslides, completely burying and sweeping away all lifeforms.[6] Relentless wave action began to uncover the platform within a few months.[1] The reserve started to was still recovering in 2018.[3]
In January 2012, six Hawke's Bay prisoners on temporary release and their two supervisors were caught illegally collecting pāua and kina from the marine reserve.[7]
There is evidence of ongoing widespread poaching.[1] In 2013, 20% of convictions for fishing in New Zealand marine reserves related to Te Angiangi.[1] In December 2017, a sharp increase in poaching was reported with seven convictions in seven weeks.[8] Another conviction was reported in September 2018.[9]
A further rise in poaching was reported between 2020 and 2021 when there was no resident ranger to patrol the marine reserve.[10]
Recreation
The marine reserve is open for watching birds and wildlife, and exploring rock pools.[1] Swimming is at Shelly Bay, and at Stringray Bay at low tide.[11] The reserve is well-suited to snorkelling and scuba diving,[4][12] including off the rock platform.[13]
Nothing can be taken from the marine reserve, including through fishing, seaweed or shellfish gathering. Rocks in rock pools must be returned to their original position. Activities which disturb marine life, like discharging firearms and trampling on plant life, is not allowed. Horses and vehicles can be taken along the top of the rock platform, but cannot be taken to the rocky areas below the mean high water line. Dogs must be kept on a leash, and no other plants or animals can be taken into the reserve.[1]
Boats are allowed, but people must take care when anchoring to avoid damaging the sea floor. When encountering seals, dolphins or whales, the boat must be slowed to five knots, must stay 50 metres away, must not travel through the middle of a pod, must avoid making sudden course changes, and must not accelerate until they are well clear.[4]
There are campgrounds and a range of bach accommodation at both ends of the reserve.[11]
