Kia ora Friend,
In the marine world, everything is in constant motion - shifting, ebbing, flowing, breaking down, and rebuilding. It's never a dull moment out there, which is exactly why we love it so much.
Kiwis are incredibly passionate about fishing, boating, and our oceans in general. One of the great joys of living in New Zealand is that you're never more than a couple of hours' drive from the sea, no matter where you are on our beautiful cluster of islands. We used to have unparalleled access to everything the ocean offers us: food, entertainment, and a source of mental well-being. But with that privilege came a lot of responsibility, and let's be honest - we've been dropping the ball for quite some time.
Our beloved Hauraki Gulf is at a critical crossroads. Despite years of collaborative efforts and the shared understanding that the Gulf needs effective protection to restore its rich biodiversity, the proposed Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill falls short of delivering meaningful change.
The Bill, poised to pass through Parliament, was expected to be a beacon of hope - a comprehensive plan for the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, blending marine protection with sustainable fisheries management. Instead, it's prioritising commercial interests over genuine conservation. Areas initially proposed as no-take zones with limited Māori customary fishing may now be amended to permit certain types of commercial fishing while public access is restricted. This could mean losing the cherished family tradition of fishing in your favourite safe, accessible spots close to home.
Our Marine Park deserves thoughtful and comprehensive management that genuinely addresses the multitude of challenges it faces. This includes holding regional councils accountable for land run-off, combating the spread of invasive species like Caulerpa seaweed, and embracing innovative, low-impact fishing techniques that protect the ocean floor.
With your support, we can amplify our efforts. Together, we can hold officials accountable, advocate for robust and diverse solutions, and ensure that the health of the Hauraki Gulf is prioritised over short-term gains. Let's not lose more public space or jeopardise our marine heritage to satisfy commercial demands.
The ocean is in constant motion, and so must we be - in our fight to safeguard it. By uniting as a community, we can protect our precious marine environment for future generations to enjoy. Let's embrace our role as kaitiaki, guardians of the sea, honouring the deep connection we share with the waters surrounding us.
Read more here.