Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
EDS Welcomes Passage Of Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill
The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) welcomes the successful Third Reading of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill as a landmark achievement for marine conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“This is a momentous day for the Gulf and for all those who have worked tirelessly over many years to secure stronger legal protections,” said EDS COO Shay Schlaepfer.
“The Bill provides the foundation we need to turn around decline of the Gulf. It’s a signal that as a nation we are serious about restoring one of our most treasured marine ecosystems.
“The legislation will increase areas of high protection in the Gulf from just 0.3% to approximately 6%, establish new seafloor protection areas and expand existing marine reserves. Together, these measures represent the most significant step forward in marine protection in decades.
“EDS acknowledges the crucial role of mana whenua, community groups, scientists and conservation advocates who have sustained pressure for change over the past decade. We especially acknowledge the role of our Policy Director, Raewyn Peart, who is overseas on leave, in bringing this initiative to fruition over the past decade.
“We respectfully recognise the perseverance of mana whenua, who have consistently called for better protection of their taonga. The collaborative effort of so many people has finally brought success.
“We must now make this huge milestone count on the water to ensure the protections deliver real gains for indigenous biodiversity. That means dedicated follow-through, meaningful partnerships with iwi and hapū, and robust compliance. This is just the start.
“Today we celebrate this historic success. Tomorrow we roll up our sleeves and get on with the job of bringing the Gulf back to life,” concluded Ms Schlaepfer.
Environmental Defence Society
EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.
Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand
through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non-
profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.
EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It
operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together
the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.
EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental
Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.
EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
Gordon Campbell: On Children’s Book Classics - The Moomins
Zero Waste Network Aotearoa: Container Return Scheme Bill Would Double Recycling Rates And Put Money Back In Households
Wellington City Council: Statement From The Wellington Mayoral Forum On Options For Regional Governance Reform
MUNZ: TAIC Report On Kaitaki Incident Gives Shocking Picture Of Decline Of NZ Maritime Infrastructure
Greenpeace: New Climate Report Yet More Reason To Reduce Dairy Herd
Better Public Media: Opposing Plans To Scrap The BSA
Internal Affairs: Citizenship Test For Citizenship By Grant Applicants From Late 2027
