Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust has marked the 50th anniversary of the creation of New Zealand’s first ever marine reserve with a special dawn ceremony on Te Hawere-a-Maki Goat Island.

“The Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve is New Zealand’s oldest marine reserve, and has proven to be one of the most iconic tohu and successful examples of marine conservation in Aotearoa.” says Nicola Rata-MacDonald MNZM, Chief Executive of the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust.

“The reserve was established due to the tireless efforts of Ngāti Manuhiri kaumatua Laly Haddon, and we are holding this hautapu to acknowledge the significant progress his foresight and advocacy has delivered for our country.

“When the reserve was established in 1975, the seafloor in the area was effectively a kina barren, with kina able to spread and destroy the benthic habitat due to the overfishing of their natural predators like koura (spiny rock lobsters) and tāmure (snapper).

“Thanks to the protection that was established by our rangatira, the area is now teeming with life: fish stocks, kelp forests, sponge gardens, sea anemones, and shellfish have all been restored because we’ve put an end to human interference.”

The Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act, which came into force on Saturday, tripled the size of the reserve and will protect species such as maomao and snapper.

“Marine reserves provide the highest level of protection available, from the sea surface to the seafloor, and are strictly no-take — with the aim being to create areas free from alterations to marine habitats, providing natural controls for scientific study.” says Nicola.

“We are pleased to see the extension of this marine reserve come into effect, along with the introduction of two new types of marine protection, and look forward to seeing the benefits of these protections come to life.”

Notes

Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust is the post settlement governance entity (PSGE) responsible for representing the Ngāti Manuhiri hapū and iwi members, giving effect to the Ngāti Manuhiri Claims Settlement Act 2012. Established in 2011, the Trust is committed to ensuring a prosperous future for Ngāti Manuhiri whānau.

Our rohe, moana, and interests are across Te Moananui-ā-Toi including the inner and outer islands and rocky outcrops from Aotea, to Te Paepae o Tu, to Hauturu, and Takapuna. Te Moananui-ā-Toi is the greater oceans encompassing the Hauraki Gulf and Hauraki marine park and so, we refer to the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana as Te Moananui-ā-Toi.

The Trust’s work centres on the protection of the taiao, reinvigoration of community purpose and service, maintenance of cultural integrity and investing to support the economic prosperity of future generations. More information on Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust can be found at www.ngatimanuhiri.iwi.nz

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