Pass the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill

Tēnā koe Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, and Minister of Conservation, Hon Tama Potaka,

You have a clear opportunity to lead and to show New Zealanders that this Government takes the health of our environment seriously.

Forest & Bird and thousands of New Zealanders are calling for immediate and decisive action to protect Tikapa Moana the Hauraki Gulf, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most ecologically and culturally significant marine areas.

After decades of inaction, the Hauraki Gulf / Tikapa Moana Marine Protection Bill represents a turning point. It is the most significant marine protection proposal in a generation.

In June 2024 the Environment Committee, made up of members from across all major parties, reported back with unanimous support for the Hauraki Gulf / Tikapa Moana Marine Protection Bill. Yet nearly a year later, its final reading has again been delayed.

The Bill will protect species such as  kororā little blue penguin, giant manta ray, and tāmure snapper by increasing high protection from 0.3% to 6% and seafloor protection to 12% by establishing 19 new marine protection areas, including:

• Twelve High Protection Areas, which will help marine life and habitats thrive free from fishing.
• Five Seafloor Protection Areas, which will safeguard the Gulf’s unique benthic ecosystems from destructive bottom trawling and dredging.
• Two Extensions to Marine Reserves, which will offer full sanctuary and helping restore depleted fish stocks and biodiversity.

Having this protection in place will help revitalise the life sustaining capacity of the Gulf now and for future generations.

We urge you to progress the Hauraki Gulf / Tikapa Moana Marine Protection Bill and set it into law before it is too late.

Please write back and tell me what you are doing to prioritise the Hauraki Gulf / Tikapa Moana Marine Protection Bill and save this precious taonga from more destruction.