Chair of the Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Trust, Billy Brown, says the iwi welcomes the passing of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill today.

“It is important to acknowledge the countless people who have been working on this kaupapa for years, to get it over the line, including Minister Potaka and his team”.

Mr Brown says that while the crafting and passing of the Bill has not been without challenges, it is important to focus on the long-term benefits of such an important piece of legislation.

With iwi members having contributed to the Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari plan over the years, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki has long been invested in marine protection and revitalisation with multiple current projects currently on the go that will be further supported by the protections of this Bill.

“As a maritime iwi, we acutely feel the weight of the degradation of the marine environment. Our marine programmes, including mussel reef restoration, caulerpa monitoring, kina barren clearing, Rāhui research as well as the way we implement our aquaculture interests, contribute to the health and wellbeing of Tīkapa Moana. This legislation protects that mahi as well as our customary fishing rights should we ever need to exercise them.”

The iwi looks forward to supporting the implementation, monitoring and management of these high protection areas that will support the restoration of this valuable ecosystem.

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