Conservation Minister, Tama Potaka says Parliament’s passing of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act today has ushered into law a bold new era of marine protection for one of New Zealand’s most majestic seascapes.
“For years, communities and people across the political divide have despaired at the effects of the Gulf’s long-standing ecological decline leading to desolate kina barrens and habitat loss,” Mr Potaka says.
“Today, National has delivered the biggest new marine protection area in more than a decade for Aotearoa New Zealand. We’ve taken a once-in-a-generation step to turn around the health of the Gulf by nearly tripling marine protection and creating 19 new protection areas.
“In the decades to come, we expect to see fish stocks like tāmure (snapper) and kōura (rock lobster) rebuilding, richer kelp forests creating underwater nurseries, and seabird colonies found nowhere else in the world living healthier on offshore islands. Imagine children fishing off an Auckland wharf into waters once again thriving.”
This year will mark the 50th anniversary of the world’s first marine reserve, Goat Island Goat Island / Te Hāwere a Maki, which will more than triple in size under the Act.
“Where once fish were scarce, it’s now a living classroom enjoyed by 350,000 people visiting every year, and it produces ten times more snapper than any comparable stretch of coast in the Gulf,” said the Minister.
“Many New Zealanders know the beauty of the Gulf is a catalyst for local economies through tourism, recreation and fishing. The NZ Institute of Economic Research recently estimated its economic value at $100 billion.
“Overall, the legislation ensures we balance the needs of communities, the environment and the economy. We are establishing High Protection Areas for 800 square kilometres while limited local ring-net fishing for common species will only be allowed in three per cent of the total protected area. This will be reviewed after three years.
“A new team of DOC Marine Rangers are out on the water now, educating the public, ensuring compliance, and monitoring the effectiveness of all changes.
“The Act is the culmination of a process that began in 2013 with the Sea Change Project. I acknowledge the many years of mahi from many, for example the Hauraki Gulf Forum and iwi such as Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki.
The Minister said the new legislation will come into place before the end of the year.
“We will be reinforcing this mahi with further International Visitor Levy investment into protecting the Hauraki Gulf to be announced soon,” he said.
