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Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says 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”.
And he credits local iwi Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki for its contribution to the move.
“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,” Potaka says.
“Today [October 7], 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.”
Potaka says in the decades to come he expects to see fish stocks such as 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.
“Many New Zealanders know the beauty of the Gulf is a catalyst for local economies through tourism, recreation and fishing.
“Overall, the legislation ensures we balance the needs of communities, the environment, and the economy.”
The Government is establishing ‘High Protection Areas’ for 800 square kilometres.
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 Department of Conservation marine rangers are out on the water now, educating the public, ensuring compliance, and monitoring the effectiveness of all changes,” Potaka says.
“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.”
The Green Party is also hailing the legislation, with its spokesperson for the environment, Lan Pham, saying: “After decades of exploitation, this Bill is a major turning point in efforts to stop the ecological collapse of our precious marine ecosystems in the Hauraki Gulf.
“It’s the most significant marine protection proposal in a generation and wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless work of iwi, hapū and community advocates for over 10 years to get it over the line.
“The science is clear: the Hauraki Gulf is on the brink of ecological collapse. Having these protections in place is a step towards revitalising the life-sustaining capacity of the Gulf now and for future generations.”
