We assessed whether sea urchin roe quality within urchin barrens in northeastern Aotearoa New Zealand can be sufficient for harvest, and whether sea urchin removal can ultimately enhance urchin roe condition (by increasing food quality and quantity). We monitored roe condition (roe weight and gonadosomatic index [GSI]) in kelp forest and urchin barrens monthly for one year at two sites, and quarterly over two years at four sites following large-scale (1.6–2 ha) sea urchin removal from urchin barrens.