27 August 2013

Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan leadership now in place

Establishing a united vision for the entire Hauraki Gulf has taken another important step with the appointment earlier this month of co-chairs for the Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan project steering group (PSG).

The appointed co-chairs are Auckland councillor Penny Webster and tangata whenua member Paul Majurey.

The PSG, a partnership between tangata whenua, councils and central Government agencies, will lead the development of New Zealand’s first marine spatial plan.

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan, known as Sea Change, will provide non-statutory strategic direction for the entire gulf, with a view to protecting its health and productivity so as to sustain this taonga for all customary, commercial, and recreational users.

Over coming months, a stakeholder working group will be set up. This will include key stakeholders, including iwi, recreational users, industry, not for profit organisations and local, regional and central government. The wider community with an interest in the Hauraki Gulf will also have the opportunity to be involved.

The full list of partners to the spatial plan process is: tangata whenua, the Hauraki Gulf Forum, Auckland Council, Waikato Regional Council, Ministry for Primary Industries, and Department of Conservation

ENDS

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