May 22, 2019
Rāhui and reefs in Hauraki Gulf protection plan
The Hauraki Gulf Forum has recommended at least 20 percent of the 12,000 square kilometre Hauraki Gulf Marine Park be given protected status, and that there be efforts to establish 1000 km2 of shellfish-beds and reefs.
Forum member Moana Tamaariki says there was overwhelming support from tangata whenua represented on the statutory body.
She says the Tikapa Moana can’t be left to heal itself, and the goals can make a difference.
Because of the competing interests and the public sensitivities involved, the forum isn’t advocating more reserves within the park.
"It’s 20 percent protected so there could be a number of mechanisms we use including rāhui, moving rāhui as they do up north – Mitimiti's a great example of how they move rāhui from position to position to restock the mussels up there," Ms Tamaariki says.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has already made a start through actions such as hanging mussel lines off the wharf at Ōkahu Bay.
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