Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill: A Comprehensive Approach to Marine Conservation

In a parliamentary session today, lawmakers engaged in an extensive debate on the second reading of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill. The bill aims to significantly enhance marine protection efforts, respect customary rights, and balance ecological preservation with community needs.

Restoration and Acknowledgment of Customary Rights

Hon Tama Potaka, Minister of Conservation, presented the legislative statement on this crucial bill, emphasizing its goal to restore health and mauri to Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana. The bill establishes 19 new marine protection areas, nearly tripling existing protections in Tīkapa Moana. It also acknowledges customary rights within these zones, aligning with Treaty of Waitangi settlements.

Labour MP Tangi Utikere supported the bill, acknowledging the extensive efforts over many years from various stakeholders involved in its development. He emphasized adherence to unanimous recommendations from the select committee, which processed more than 7,500 submissions and engaged directly with 79 oral submitters.

Opposition to Amendments Allowing Commercial Fishing

Lan Pham of the Green Party criticized proposed amendments permitting commercial fishing within high-protection areas as a step backward that undermines conservation goals. She highlighted potential ecological damage and stressed the importance of intact marine ecosystems for future generations, referencing international standards where less than 1% of New Zealand’s exclusive economic zone meets these benchmarks.

Tangi Utikere echoed Lan Pham's concerns about undermining community submissions and compromising the democratic process's integrity.

Support for Adaptive Management Approach

Simon Court from ACT supported the bill’s innovative adaptive management approach within marine protection zones. He acknowledged iwi and hapū rights while balancing environmental protections, emphasizing ongoing monitoring of ecological impacts as outlined in a unanimous select committee report.

Jenny Marcroft of NZ First endorsed the bill for significantly expanding protected areas in Tīkapa Moana. She addressed practical community considerations by supporting limited ring net fishing to ensure affordable access to marine resources during winter months.

Community and Environmental Impact Considerations

Minister Potaka outlined pressing environmental challenges facing Hauraki Gulf, including climate change impacts like invasive species such as Caulerpa and increased storm events. He stressed the need for adaptive management through regular monitoring of high-protection areas (HPAs) and seafloor protection areas (SPAs), with reports published every five years detailing research outcomes.

Lan Pham shared personal experiences to underscore the urgent need for ecological restoration, recalling a photograph illustrating marine life differences in disturbed versus undisturbed water bodies.

Proposed Amendments

While no specific votes were recorded during this session, amendments proposed by Tama Potaka included clarifying customary rights as per the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011. He also suggested limiting regulation of customary non-commercial fishing beyond current provisions in the Fisheries Act and allowing carefully managed ring net fishing in two high-protection areas to support local communities.

Jenny Marcroft highlighted an amendment supporting local fisheries for affordable protein supply, emphasizing its importance for community nutrition during winter months, with around $15 million invested in dealing with exotic Caulerpa.

Conclusion of Debate

The debate was interrupted and is set to resume on a future sitting day. The discussions have underscored the complexities of balancing environmental conservation with cultural recognition and community needs. As the bill progresses through Parliament, it remains a testament to New Zealand’s commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage for future generations.