So, we’re all agreed then

When the Environment Select Committee unanimously approved the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill, we saw politicians come together from across the different parties, agreeing that Tīkapa Moana te Moananui a Toi – the Hauraki Gulf needs better protection.

The Committee unanimously supported the Bill, which will create 12 new high protection areas, 5 new seafloor protection areas and 2 extensions to existing marine reserves.

The NZ Herald reported the news, which was met with relief by our funded partners. WWF New Zealand, Live Ocean Foundation and Environmental Defence Society have all called for this marine protection. You may remember Jono Riddler’s Swim4TheGulf, which we supported? This is specifically mentioned in the transcripts of Parliament as contributing to the movement of this Bill.

It is an issue that unites us, and we look forward to seeing it reach the final stages and become law.

Image: Project Kahurangi - Hauraki Gulf bottlenose dolphins