Kia ora Friend, A new year always brings change and new challenges, and 2023 has started with a real bang. Before we explore 2023 we want to share some big news and a video of how you helped us achieve so much in 2022. It's election year so it's no surprise we have already seen major political posturing.
The new Prime Minister has completed a major shake up of ministerial portfolios. David Parker has been moved on from Oceans and Fisheries, to be replaced by a previous minister, Stuart Nash.
We believe David Parker has been an excellent minister, making many courageous decisions after listening to the public's voice. His decision to limit the increase in commercial catch in west coast snapper was a bold move. While his last minute intervention to stop the introduction of pre-set decision rules as part of the the Fisheries Amendment Bill meant a lucky escape for recreational fishers.
It's unclear what we can expect from Stuart Nash. Let's hope he takes Parker's lead and continues to listen to us, the public, not just ministry officials and quota owners.
The opposition has had its own reshuffle. Scott Simpson has replaced Todd Muller as spokesperson for Oceans and Fisheries, and Todd McClay has picked up a new shadow portfolio of Hunting and Fishing. What this means for recreational fishers is unclear, but we will be talking to all involved to find out more. The Year That Was 2022 |
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2022 was a huge year for us and all things fishing related. We were kept busy, but were sustained by the support of our incredible partners and by you.
Our team has put together a video capturing the highlights of the year. Watch it here. |
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We are also pleased to share with you our latest quarterly, accountability report. We produce these every few months as a way to show our stakeholders and supporters the activities we have been involved in.
You can read the latest report here or visit this webpage to view all our financial and activity reports. |
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It's time to have your say on the Hauraki Gulf |
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The Hauraki Gulf Fisheries Plan is out for public consultation, with submissions due by 3rd March. As expected, Fisheries New Zealand proposes that bottom trawling can continue in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, in unspecified 'trawl corridors'. FNZ also proposes that commercial scallop dredging can continue when the fishery reopens. It is extremely disappointing that Fisheries New Zealand will allow these destructive fishing methods to continue in a plan supposedly designed to 'Revitalise the Gulf'.
Continual destruction of the seafloor does not align with the plan's objective to achieve 'healthy, functioning ecosystems'. |
| The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park |
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The entire plan does not provide actions that fit with ecosystem-based management that will deliver more fish in the water.
LegaSea and the Hauraki Gulf Alliance will be working hard to drive public opposition to these destructive fishing methods. Together, we want the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries to remove these offensive, destructive methods from the Hauraki Gulf Fisheries Plan. So watch this space.
In the meantime, if you haven't already signed the petition on the Hauraki Gulf Alliance website, you can do so here: https://haurakigulfalliance.nz/petition/ You can read the whole plan here and make your own submission. |
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New GOLD Partner Alert!!! |
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We're super excited to welcome Gerard Roofs to the LegaSea family. Gerard Roofs are a well-established innovative roofing solutions provider with a determination to always strive to do better for the home, the homeowner and the planet. |
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Although they're not directly tied to the marine environment, the team at Gerard Roofs love fishing and everything New Zealand's coastlines have to offer. They want to see our marine ecosystem restored for the benefit of future generations which is why they decided to make the commitment to support our cause.
If you're a company that also wants to protect the things New Zealanders love - our oceans and our fish - please drop us a line at dallas@legasea.co.nz. |
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2022 was an exciting year for the growth of the LegaSea volunteer programme. Our supporters have continued to ask us - what more can I do to help? And it's been great to offer a wide variety of activities for people of all walks of life.
From research trips to events, these volunteers have made a huge contribution to our efforts to restore abundance. |
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NIWA trip in the Bay of Islands. |
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Some activities include: - NIWA research trips
- Dive clean ups with Sea Cleaners
- Supporter engagement at the Hutchwilco Boat Show
- Supporting the filleting crew at Kai Ika
We aim to continue to grow our volunteer programme in 2023. Keen to be involved? You can email our Volunteer Coordinator Sydney. |
Photo competition reminder |
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Our annual photo competition is staying open until the end of February. Using your photography skills, you could win some must-have gear from Barkers, Black Magic Tackle, Hutchwilco and more. We'll have a few prize packs, the one pictured is for the big winner! A photo speaks a 1000 words. By sharing your photos you can help showcase how wonderful our marine environment is, and why it's important to protect it for generations to follow. |
| You could win this amazing prize pack! |
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That's why we'd like you to send your best photos. Categories are defined below and you can enter as many times as you like.
This is an awesome way to support the effort for more fish in the water and a healthier marine environment. Send your photos by email, dropbox, WeTransfer, Google, or OneDrive to:
Photos@legasea.co.nz Check the guidelines below for more: https://legasea.co.nz/support-us/photo-comp/ |
The recent floods in Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Waikato and the lower North Island have been devastating. Houses and businesses have been destroyed all over the area. Our thoughts go out to everyone who has suffered loss.
The Ironclad Pan Company, one of our partners, has been particularly affected. The flood waters destroyed their workshop, ruining everything. While their product is indestructible, the flood water was unsafe meaning they need to re-make and re-pour everything. For a little business like Ironclad Co. this expense can be devastating. They need all the support they can get.
If you or someone you know has been waiting for the right moment to buy any of their frying pan range, they are currently taking pre-orders to help cover the cost of rebuilding.
All existing and new orders will be turned around as quickly as humanly possible. Visit their online shop here. |
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-- Ngā mihi nui, Benn and the LegaSea crew |
LegaSea appreciates the ongoing support of our Platinum and Gold partners - |
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