Consultation on Kaikōura Marine Management Act.
The public are being encouraged to have their say on protections in place to preserve the nationally important Kaikōura coastal and marine area.
"The Kaikōura coast and marine area is a significant marine ecosystem that supports important reef species like blue cod and pāua, and a globally recognised hotspot for marine mammals including whales, dolphins and fur seals, alongside native seabirds and fish species," says Siobhan Quayle, Director Regulatory Systems Performance, Department of Conservation.
In 2014, the Kaikōura (Te Tai o Marokura) Marine Management Act was put in place, establishing protections for the area between Clarence Point and Gore Bay, with the goal of managing the coast and marine life sustainably.
"The Kaikōura Marine Management Act established a marine reserve, marine mammal sanctuaries, and customary fishing areas, and put in place the Kaikōura Marine Guardians as an official advisory committee for Ministers and government agencies on the coastal and marine environment of the area."
The Department of Conservation and Fisheries New Zealand is now seeking public feedback as part of a review of the performance of the Act over the past ten years, and how successful the measures it put in place have been at protecting the unique environment at Kaikōura.
"Protecting New Zealand's marine environment relies on everyone playing their part. Providing feedback is a way people can tell us what's working and what could be improved for marine protection in the Kaikōura area," Siobhan says.
The measures included in the consultation are:
- The Kaikōura Marine Guardians
- Hikurangi Marine Reserve
- Te Rohe o te Whānau Puha Whale Sanctuary
- Ōhau New Zealand Fur Seal Sanctuary
- Customary Management Measures:
- Mangamaunu Mātaitai
- Oaro Mātaitai
- Te Waha o te Marangai Mātaitai
- Te Taumanu o Te Waka a Māui Taiāpure
- Oaro-Haumuri Taiāpure
"It's important we get feedback from a wide range of people, including tangata whenua, recreational fishers, tourism operators, and the local community," says Emma Taylor, Director Fisheries Management, Fisheries New Zealand.
"Your submission will be used in a report for the Ministers of Conservation and Oceans and Fisheries, which will inform their decisions on whether changes are needed for the Kaikōura coastal and marine area, and if so, what changes are made."
The consultation begins on 30 September and will be open until 5 pm on 28 October 2025.
