New High Protection Areas Proposed to Empower Kaitiakitanga in Tīkapa Moana

On Wednesday morning, 9 August 2023, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced an extensive protection plan for the Hauraki Gulf, known as Tīkapa Moana, which seeks to nearly triple the area’s marine protections. Speaking at the Tamaki Yacht Club in Auckland, Hipkins revealed that a new Bill would be introduced to Parliament to create 19 new marine protection areas, increasing coverage from 6 percent to 18 percent of the Gulf. A significant feature of the proposal is the introduction of "high protection areas," a new conservation tool designed to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the continuation of tangata whenua cultural practices. Conservation Minister Willow-Jean Prime stated that while these 12 new areas will restrict commercial and recreational fishing, they are specifically designed to recognise kaitiakitanga and other customary practices. This approach follows extensive consultation, including over 7,500 submissions from the community, scientists, and tangata whenua. Minister Prime noted that while traditional marine reserves have existed in legislation for some time, the new high protection category is a direct result of seeking a model that respects both the marine environment and Indigenous rights. The plan also includes five new seafloor protection areas with bans on bottom-contact fishing methods like bottom trawling and Danish seining, aimed at preserving vital habitats. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Rachel Brooking added that the legislation will work alongside the Hauraki Gulf Fisheries Plan. This plan represents a shift toward an ecosystem-wide approach to managing fish stocks, such as snapper and kahawai, rather than focusing on individual species. Although final decisions on some seafloor options will require further consultation through September and October, the government intends for the primary Bill to pass early next year, ensuring the "absolute treasure" of the Gulf is protected for future generations.