A flotilla of boats will take to the waters between Auckland and Waiheke Island next week as New Zealanders call for an immediate ban on destructive bottom trawling in Tīkapa Moana the Hauraki Gulf.
The Show Your Heart for the Hauraki flotilla and beach activities will see participants sail from Ōkahu Bay to Oneroa Beach, Waiheke Island, joining more people on the sand for a day of celebration, protest and community action in defence of the Gulf.
Organised by Greenpeace Aotearoa and Forest & Bird, alongside iwi and community groups, the event comes in support of a clear and ongoing public mandate for stronger protection of the Hauraki Gulf, which remains under pressure from bottom trawling within the Marine Park.
“Bottom trawling bulldozes the seafloor and destroys ecosystems that are vital to a healthy ocean and thriving Hauraki Gulf,” says Greenpeace oceans campaigner, Juan Parada.
“New Zealanders have been clear they want the Hauraki Gulf protected, yet governments continue to allow this destructive practice in one of our most precious marine areas. It’s time politicians listen and ban bottom trawling in the Marine Park.”
Participants on the water will gather around a 150-square metre floating banner calling for an end to bottom trawling, creating a powerful visual message aimed directly at politicians.
Onshore, Oneroa Beach will host family‑friendly beach activities featuring live music, a shared BBQ, speakers, face painting and activities celebrating the life and mauri of Tīkapa Moana.
Forest & Bird says the event reflects growing frustration at the continued decline of the Gulf.
“The Hauraki Gulf sustains communities, culture and wildlife. It provides kai, recreation, and habitat for some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most treasured species – from snapper and trevally to Bryde’s whales and seabirds,” says Bianca Ranson, national conservation advocate for Forest & Bird.
“But its ecosystem is collapsing. Overfishing, sedimentation, pollution and climate impacts, combined with bottom trawling, are pushing species towards local extinction. We need strong action now to restore the Gulf.”
Bottom trawling is widely recognised as one of the most damaging fishing methods, dragging heavy gear across the seabed and destroying vital habitats that are slow to recover.
Campaigners say there is no future for sustainable fisheries without ending destructive fishing practices and transitioning to methods that can sustain our ocean’s life, long term.
Many thousands of people have already backed public petitions calling on the Government to ban bottom trawling in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
“The choice for politicians is simple,” says Parada. “They can side with a small number of commercial interests, or they can listen to the vast majority of New Zealanders who want a living, thriving Gulf – not kina barrens and empty seas.”
The public is encouraged to take part on the water, on the beach, or online by signing and sharing petitions and registering for the event.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday 11 April 2026
Wet weather date: Saturday 18 April 2026
Flotilla
- 9.00am: Flotilla departs Ōkahu Bay, Auckland
- Boats sail together to Oneroa, Waiheke Island
- Kayaks and paddleboards can also launch from Oneroa around 12.30pm (TBC)
Beach Festival – Oneroa Beach, Waiheke
- 1.00pm: Live music, BBQ, speakers, family activities
- Afternoon: Mass moment of unity and banner deployment
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