How would you react to finding a leopard seal lazing on your local marina pier or a seal pup out for a day on the town at the local KFC?
Matt Rayner explains that allowing some fishing in proposed High Protection Areas overlooks the complex interdependencies in Gulf ecosystems.
The Hauraki Gulf Forum commissioned this report on the potential impacts of exotic Caulerpa
🦀 Rockpools get a two-year reprieve, thanks to mana whenua leadership! 🦀
The Hauraki Gulf Forum welcomes today’s announcement by Government to uphold the application made by Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust for a two-year closure on rockpool harvesting within areas of the Trust’s rohe (along the east coast of Auckland, including the Hauraki Gulf islands, within the Rodney and Hibiscus Bays Local Board boundaries).
📢 The announcement, made by the Minister for Fisheries Shane Jones, recognises the ecological vulnerability of rockpools and the importance of sustainable management. The concern expressed is heartening in the context of the wider marine environment where there is so much more mahi to do.
🗺️ The closure provides statutory support (under s.186A of the Fisheries Act) for the rāhui to be laid by Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust. It also gives some much-anticipated clarity on rules. A new map shows where the shoreline restrictions are alongside High Protection Areas and Marine Reserves.
Nicola Rata-MacDonald Co-Chair of the Forum, said “People will do the right thing if they know the rules. Connecting with the community enables these rules to be communicated in the most effective way, so that everyone understands them and feels safe.”
“Rockpools are essential parts of our coastal and marine environment and the taonga species that live there play a crucial role within the wider ecosystem. They are also where our tamariki get their first glimpse of our incredible marine life. It’s where the learning starts – and the appreciation that everything is connected. This reprieve allows our rockpools to recover and regenerate.”
🌊 Many areas of shoreline within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park have been under significant pressure for years, and the Forum welcomes these restrictions, that come into force on 12th March 2026. It looks forward to engaging in the broader programme of work underway by Fisheries NZ for managing intertidal areas around Tāmaki Makaurau and the Coromandel indicated by the Minister.
Hauraki Gulf Forum Executive Officer, Beth Rose supported the ongoing strategy development for better management of these sensitive shorelines: "We’re fortunate that mana whenua are keeping watch along the coasts; stepping up with rāhui to protect marine life. Ultimately, they shouldn’t have to lay rāhui; it is a stressful point to get to.”
“Government’s support for closing rockpool harvesting in this rohe adds to the broader patchwork of much-needed protections that are gradually increasing in Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui-ā-Toi, which the Forum has continuously advocated for. An ambitious, holistic, collaborative, and faster-paced approach is needed if we are to see lasting abundance return to this nationally-significant Marine Park,” she said.
www.haurakigulfforum.org.nz
📸: pāpaka nui | purple rock crab ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
The 2 year ban is really great news. But let's be honest here. This ban had nothing to do with "mana whenua leadership." The rockpool harvesting ban was advocated & petitioned over 4 years ago by a passionate Omaha local - Mary Couple. NM did not support the ban and so a Section 186A was not passed & so the pillaging of our rockpools could have been stopped over 4 years ago. Thanks to the relentless advocacy by Army Bay locals especially Mark Lenton forming the Protect Whangaparāoa Rockpools (PWR) group, this ban would never have been bought into effect. It was only thanks for their persistent efforts that they managed to get Ngati Manuhiri to finally apply for the Section 186A. I think in fairness, credit where credit is due. We are all in this together to ensure that our future mokos have kaimoana to gather and our eco system remains intact for future generations. Ka rawe to all involved in this amazing effort!
It needs to be a broader area not just north Auckland but extended south as well as the west coast, sadly it's just going to create more intensive destruction everywhere else. We need more marine reserves and Rahul and a full ban on both coastlines of Auckland to get some restoration and to stop the constant rape and pillage of our Moana.
He’s about to reach Tāmaki Makaurau..
Jono Riddler has been swimming towards Tīkapa Moana - Te Moananui-ā-Toi since the 5th of January, stopping off at coastal communities along the way to talk about his plight: to ban bottom trawling in Aotearoa.
The Hauraki Gulf Forum Tīkapa Moana Te Moananui-ā-Toi has consistently raised concerns about destructive fishing practices, particularly bottom trawling and Danish seining.
It’s fascinating to watch his 1000 mile mission with Live Ocean which began at Waikuku Beach at Otou, North Cape. His destination? Parliament. 🏊♂️
liveocean.org/swim4theocean/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Mauriora everyone!
Today marks a significant milestone for the health of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui ā Toi - as the new marine protection legislation has come into effect. 🎉
Why this matters
- 19 new marine protected areas in the Gulf now have stronger legal protection.
- These areas are designed to contribute to a healthier marine ecosystem for present and future generations.
- Over summer you’ll start to see updated boundary information in the Marine Mate app, electronic charts and at water-entry points.
What you can do to help
- Visit the Department of Conservation's website to view maps, boundaries, and download GPS/GPX files.
- Be aware and respectful: In marine reserves and other high-protection zones you cannot take marine life or harm natural habitats.
How to stay informed
Head over to the Department of Conservation for:
- downloadable maps and boundary files
- details of the different protection levels (marine reserves, high protection areas, seafloor protection)
- FAQs about what you can and can’t do
More here: www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/auckland/hauraki-gulf-marine-park/hauraki-gulf-...
A huge mihi to the countless people - iwi, communities, scientists, advocates and agencies - who have contributed to reaching this milestone. We acknowledge this as a special place we all share and have a responsibility to care for! 🌊💙 ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
The only “step change” we can make to the Hauraki Gulf is to reduce fishing pressure - and give nature a break. This sees marine protection in the gulf go from 0.3% of the HGMP park to just under 7%. 12+ years in the making and definitely not optimal. Raising my glass this weekend to all those who over the years pushed this along. Iwi, researchers and the many who champion putting nature first. I fish (occasionally), and I say to fishers: do your research. Marine protections work and you will see the benefit.
An excellent start, much more protection is needed to hit public expectations. It’s really disappointing that this legislation was faster to produce than the outcomes sought in the Fisheries Plan (which should be much easier to achieve).
Retarded rules made up by idiots who have no idea - not one ounce of matauranga in the collective of land based idiots who drew this scheme up. I left port from Tairua in the Bay of Plenty today and ….seeing as some idiots have drawn lines in the ocean in the Bay of Plenty (aldermen hpa) around my usual spots, I had to travel 30nm further north into the ACTUAL Hauraki gulf (off the Mercs) to catch my guests the same 4 kingfish. The result - same fish out of the ocean, caught closer to Auckland where the issues are, and 80 litres more fuel consumed - further away home, placing more strain on equipment & safety. This is where well fishing ‘green’ people actual just do damage - confusing common sense by making rules over a domain they have no knowledge of. Yet, with a permit someone can now head in my backyard spot and catch a ridiculous amount for a hui - bananas. No consultation made with the Tairua community - hence legal action will follow soon.
View more comments
A Momentous Day for the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui ā Toi 🌊
Yesterday, Hauraki Gulf Forum leadership past and present were honoured to witness this historic moment in Parliament, the unanimous passage of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill, which creates new protections for our treasured Gulf.
This milestone is the result of over a decade of collaboration between mana whenua, communities, and many passionate people who have worked tirelessly to improve the State of the Gulf and improve the Gulf’s future. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou.
The job is far from done, but these new protections are a powerful foundation to help turn around the Gulf’s decline, ensuring that this taonga can thrive and be enjoyed by future generations for decades to come. #haurakigulf #MarineProtection Department of Conservation - Auckland ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentComment on Facebook
Now stop commercial fishing and go for 30% marine reserve.
New Zealand’s kekeno - our native fur seals - are reclaiming their coastal habitats. But as they return, we need to learn to live alongside them safely. Read more here to learn how you can both know your seals and help protect them. 👇🦭 gulfjournal.org.nz/2025/07/learning-to-live-together-kekeno-fur-seals-make-a-comeback/ Big mihi to Brittany Mathias and Shaun Lee for this article and kekeno advocacy. 🙏 ... See MoreSee Less
Learning to live together: Kekeno / fur seals make a comeback to the shores of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui-ā-Toi
gulfjournal.org.nz
How would you react to finding a leopard seal lazing on your local marina pier or a seal pup out for a day on the town at the local KFC?0 CommentsComment on Facebook
And this one too! It's always a fantastic day with Ngai Tai ki Tamaki planting trees on Motutapu. Sign up in the link below 👇 ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
It's planting season! 🌱🌳 For those in Tāmaki Makaurau sign up here👇 ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, the Hauraki Gulf Forum, in partnership with the New Zealand Marine Sciences Society, is proud to sponsor two research awards to support emerging marine researchers. These awards will celebrate marine science research that contributes to the health and wellbeing of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui ā Toi.
Further details on the NZMSS website.
📷Shaun Lee #haurakigulf #MarineResearchTo celebrate🥳the 25th anniversary of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, the Hauraki Gulf Forum Tīkapa Moana Te Moananui-ā-Toi, in partnership with NZMSS, is sponsoring two awards 🏆to support emerging marine researchers whose research contributes to the health and wellbeing of the Hauraki Gulf!! To apply, please request an application form from secretary@nzmss.org.
Photo cred: Shaun Lee #haurakigulf #marineresearch ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
As co-chair, I’m honoured to champion two new marine science awards that empower the next generation of scientists dedicated to protecting and understanding Te Moananui a Toi, the Hauraki Gulf.” 🐳 🐟
Sorry to sound like a wet blanket on your anniversary. BUT ! when is someone OR SOMETHING ! going to put forward the big push for more of the Hauraki Gulf turned into marine reserve ?? not park ! Its been smash to bits by commercial fishing and now been hammered by recreational fishing. I drove passed a boat ramp in east Auckland a few months ago and there must have been over 100 boat trailers on uts and SUVs at this one boat ramp. Not enough is been done to protect the Gulf and the Upper Harbour !!