The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) welcomes the successful Third Reading of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill as a landmark achievement for marine conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“This is a momentous day for the Gulf and for all those who have worked tirelessly over many years to secure stronger legal protections,” said EDS COO Shay Schlaepfer.
“The Bill provides the foundation we need to turn around the decline of the Gulf. It’s a signal that as a nation we are serious about restoring one of our most treasured marine ecosystems.
“The legislation will increase areas of high protection in the Gulf from just 0.3% to approximately 6%, establish new seafloor protection areas and expand existing marine reserves. Together, these measures represent the most significant step forward in marine protection in decades.
“EDS acknowledges the crucial role of mana whenua, community groups, scientists and conservation advocates who have sustained pressure for change over the past decade. We especially acknowledge the role of our Policy Director, Raewyn Peart, who is overseas on leave, in bringing this initiative to fruition over the past decade.
“We respectfully recognise the perseverance of mana whenua, who have consistently called for better protection of their taonga. The collaborative effort of so many people has finally brought success.
“We must now make this huge milestone count on the water to ensure the protections deliver real gains for indigenous biodiversity. That means dedicated follow-through, meaningful partnerships with iwi and hapū, and robust compliance. This is just the start.
“Today we celebrate this historic success. Tomorrow we roll up our sleeves and get on with the job of bringing the Gulf back to life,” concluded Ms Schlaepfer.