Hon Tama Potaka
Minster of Conservation

Parliament’s passing of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act has ushered into law a bold new era of marine protection for one of our most majestic seascapes, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

“For years, communities and people across the political divide have despaired at the effects of the Gulf’s long-standing ecological decline leading to desolate kina barrens and habitat loss,” Mr Potaka says.

“Today, National has delivered the biggest new marine protection area in more than a decade for Aotearoa New Zealand. We’ve taken a once-in-a-generation step to turn around the health of the Gulf by nearly tripling marine protection and creating 19 new protection areas.

“In the decades to come, we expect to see fish stocks like tāmure (snapper) and kōura (rock lobster) rebuilding, richer kelp forests creating underwater nurseries, and seabird colonies found nowhere else in the world living healthier on offshore islands. Imagine children fishing off an Auckland wharf into waters once again thriving.

“This year will mark the 50th anniversary of the world’s first marine reserve, Goat Island Goat Island / Te Hāwere a Maki, which will more than triple in size under the Act. Where once fish were scarce, it’s now a living classroom enjoyed by 350,000 people visiting every year, and it produces ten times more snapper than any comparable stretch of coast in the Gulf.

“Many New Zealanders know the beauty of the Gulf is a catalyst for local economies through tourism, recreation and fishing. The NZ Institute of Economic Research recently estimated its economic value at $100 billion.

“Overall, the legislation ensures we balance the needs of communities, the environment and the economy. We are establishing High Protection Areas for 800 square kilometres while limited local ring-net fishing for common species will only be allowed in three per cent of the total protected area. This will be reviewed after three years.

“A new team of DOC Marine Rangers are out on the water now, educating the public, ensuring compliance, and monitoring the effectiveness of all changes.

“The Act is the culmination of a process that began in 2013 with the Sea Change Project. I acknowledge the many years of mahi from many, for example the Hauraki Gulf Forum and iwi such as Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki.

“The new legislation will come into place before the end of the year. We will be reinforcing this mahi with further International Visitor Levy investment into protecting the Hauraki Gulf to be announced soon.”

Notes:

Hauraki Gulf Bill/Act – By the numbers:

• #1 – Biggest new marine protection area in Aotearoa/New Zealand in more than a decade.
• 19 – New protected areas, including 12 new high protection areas, five seafloor protected areas, and two marine reserve extensions.
• We are establishing High Protection Areas for 800 square kilometres.
• 1/3 – Of New Zealand’s seabirds nest in Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana.
• $100 billion – The economic value placed on the Hauraki Gulf by the NZ Institute of Economic Research.
• 50 years – Since Cape Rodney-Ōkakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island), the world’s first marine reserve, was introduced. It remains one of the best examples of how protection works.
• 350,000 – Visitors annually to Cape Rodney-Ōkakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island), one of the ten most visited natural heritage sites in the country.
• 15 – New staff, including marine rangers and researchers to resource DOC to implement and monitor the new marine protected areas, and educate the public.

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