ARC welcomes Tawharanui Marine Reserve decision

27 September 2010

The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) welcomes the approval of its application for a marine reserve a Tawharanui, on the eastern coast of the Rodney district.

ARC Chairman Mike Lee, who has advocated for the marine reserve since 1994, says increased marine protection on this popular stretch of coast will enhance the area’s natural and scientific values.

“It may have taken 16 years, but this has been a cause worth fighting for,” says Chairman Lee.

“The Tawharanui Marine Reserve will be unique in that it will create an undersea sanctuary next to a mainland open sanctuary and alongside a popular surf beach,” he says.

“We appreciate the support that we have received from those interested in protecting this area especially local Iwi, Ngati Manuhiri.”

Tawharanui Marine Reserve adjoins the northern side of Tawharanui Regional Park and is approximately 400 hectares in size.

The marine reserve, formerly a marine park created in 1981, will enhance the protection of this section of coastline and the opportunities for the scientific study of marine life.

The benefits of this change include:

• Greater clarity for users and marine reserve administrators due to straightened boundaries.

• Greater understanding of marine protection at Tawharanui due to marine reserve status as rules will be consistent with those of other marine reserves (rules are consistent from one marine reserve to another but can differ between marine parks).

• Management under a consistent regime with the nearby Cape Rodney Okakari Point Marine Reserve.

The existing restrictions on taking or disturbing marine life in the marine park will continue to apply within the boundaries of the marine reserve.

ENDS

© Scoop Media