Arohatia Tīkapa Moana | Love the Gulf

The Hauraki Gulf is an incredible place, globally recognised for the diversity of its wildlife, including whales, dolphins, and seabirds. 

This ocean world, right on our doorstep, supports the people of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and beyond, providing well-being, recreation, and livelihoods. Its kaimoana has fed generations of whānau and communities. 

But the Hauraki Gulf is in crisis. Waters that once shimmered with vast schools of trevally and snapper, and reefs that bristled with crayfish, are now overfished. Bottom trawling continues to destroy the seabed, leaving behind an underwater desert. Every time it rains, sewage, heavy metals and mud flow into the gulf from our cities, farms, and industries, making it unswimmable for humans and increasingly harmful to the wildlife that lives in it. 

The need for action is urgent. Working with mana whenua and other conservation partners, we are calling for:

• 30% high protection area (only 6% is high protection currently)
• 100% seafloor protection by ending bottom trawling, dredging and Danish seining
• a plan of action to reduce sedimentation entering the marine environment.

Show your love for our precious Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana. Protect what you love.

Protection areas

The Tīkapa Moana / Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill was passed into law in 2025. The Bill introduces 19 new protected areas, increasing high protection areas from 0.3% to 6% of the Gulf. This is a step in the right direction for nature and the communities who have fought for the health of Tīkapa Moana the Hauraki Gulf. 

However, Forest & Bird is deeply concerned about significant compromises in the Bill’s final form: 

• Commercial fishing has been allowed in two high protection areas – a decision made after public consultation closed, despite thousands signing a petition opposing it.
• The intent of ‘high protection’ was overridden at the last minute, prioritising industry interests over ecosystem recovery.
• Whānau and hapū voices have been removed from decision-making, stripping away rights and agency at the very level where kaitiakitanga is actively practiced. 

Forest & Bird remains committed to fighting for the Gulf’s future and continues to push for a review of the Bill; alignment with international marine protection standards; and restoration of whānau and hapū level decision-making and recognition of their role as kaitiaki. 

Ban bottom trawling

Trawling through a marine park is like taking a bulldozer to land in a national park. Large, weighted nets scrape across the seafloor to scoop up anything in its path, leaving damaged habitats unable to support abundant life. This destructive fishing method has no place in the Gulf.

In 2026, our general election year, Forest & Bird teamed up with Greenpeace to advocate for a complete ban on bottom trawling in Tīkapa Moana.  

Take action

• Sign up to receive updates and be notified of actions you can take
• Make a donation to support our efforts