Sea urchin removal is increasingly advocated for kelp reforestation, yet developing effective, culturally and socially acceptable approaches requires evaluating removal options and recovery potential. We removed sea urchins (Evechinus chloroticus) from four large, semi-discrete areas (1.6-2 ha) of urchin barrens in northeastern New Zealand. Kelp (Ecklonia radiata) and fucoid (Sargassum sinclairii, Carpophyllum spp.) densities increased dramatically (~9 to ~58 plants/m2 in 2 years) throughout removal areas, while remaining constant or declining in control areas. After 3 years, sea urchin densities are increasing, highlighting removal does not address the causes of sea urchin overpopulation. While sea urchin roe is typically considered unharvestable in barrens due to reduced food availability, we found roe condition was generally lower in barrens, but during spring-summer often exceeded the 6% gonadosomatic index (GSI) threshold for commercial harvest. Within nine months of removal, remaining sea urchins showed increased GSI, roe weight, and improved roe colour, consistent with kelp recovery. These results suggest that seasonal harvest may provide a viable tool for kelp restoration and improve condition of remaining sea urchin. However, any removal methods need to ensure sea urchin densities are reduced and maintained below the critical threshold levels to achieve kelp recovery and persistence.