Protecting the Hauraki Gulf islands

The Hauraki Gulf is a place of outstanding landscapes, rich
indigenous biodiversity and spiritual importance to Māori. It
is an area used by many to live and work, for recreation and
for the sustenance of human health, wellbeing and spirit. The
Gulf has been given an extra layer of statutory protection by
the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000.
This report investigates landscape protection on three
Hauraki Gulf islands with permanent settlement: Waiheke
Island, Aotea/Great Barrier Island and Rākino Island.
These islands each have a unique character and settlement
pattern. They face different, but in some cases overlapping,
challenges.

The report charts the islands’ Māori and natural heritage;
historical, current and future pressures; statutory and
non-statutory management responses; and key issues
and opportunities. It examines the effectiveness of
the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act, statutory planning
provisions and other approaches. It concludes with a set of
recommendations on how to better protect and restore these
island gems for current and future generations.