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Download AudioFriends of the Hauraki Gulf chair Mike Lee says there’s overwhelming public support for a new marine reserve off Waiheke.
There were 1300 submission on the proposal to create the 2350 hectare Hakaimingo – Matiatia reserve off the island’s northwest coast, with 93 percent in support.
Mr Lee says that included Maori and fishing interests who usually oppose such reserves.
“I think people realise to turn things around you’ve got to give nature a bit of a break. We’ve been hammering the fishery in the Hauraki Gulf far too hard and it’s time to provide sanctuary for nature,” he says.
Hakaimingo – Matiatia would be four times the size of the Leigh Marine Reserve which is the breeding ground for 11 percent of snapper in the Hauraki Gulf.
The decision on the reserve is now with the Minister of Conservation.
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