The passing of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill has been hailed as a significant step by the Green Party, despite concessions for industry.
"After decades of exploitation, this Bill is a major turning point in efforts to stop the ecological collapse of our precious marine ecosystems in the Hauraki Gulf," says the Green Party Spokesperson for the Environment, Lan Pham.
"It's the most significant marine protection proposal in a generation, and wouldn't have been possible without the tireless work of iwi, hapū and community advocates for over ten years to get it over the line.
"The science is clear: the Hauraki Gulf is on the brink of ecological collapse. Having these protections in place is a step towards revitalising the life-sustaining capacity of the Gulf now and for future generations.
"But the work doesn't end here. At the last minute the Government allowed exemptions for commercial fishing in high protection areas, and is delaying key decisions to end bottom trawling in the Gulf that would give it the best chance of recovery.
"The Green Party is committed to putting the long-term health of Tīkapa Moana over short-term profits by strengthening ocean protections in the Gulf and across Aotearoa.
"Given the Coalition's close ties to the fishing industry, public advocacy will continue to play a critical role in holding the Government to account on protecting our oceans.
"The Green Party campaigned on protecting 30 percent of our oceans, including putting an end to destructive bottom trawling. We will continue to fight for our ocean so it can be enjoyed across future generations," says Lan Pham.
