Five new marine reserves along Otago’s coastline are set to come into force, marking a major milestone for marine protection, biodiversity recovery and Kāi Tahu kaitiakitaka.
The reserves, collectively named Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia, will cover about 308 square kilometres of coastal waters and operate as full no-take protection areas, meaning fishing, collecting and extraction will not be permitted within their boundaries. The Department of Conservation says five of the proposed six marine reserves were gazetted in May 2026 and will take effect from 1 July 2026.
Kāi Tahu rangatira and Upoko of Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou Edward Ellison says the name Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia reflects Kāi Tahu history, ancestral voyaging and the enduring relationship between mana whenua and the coastal environment.
The network was previously known as the South-East Marine Protection Network, but the te reo Māori name recognises Kāi Tahu associations with the coastline and the wider cultural landscape.
Supporters say the reserves will strengthen iwi involvement in the governance and care of the moana, while creating space for marine ecosystems to recover after decades of pressure from fishing, development and environmental change.
For Kāi Tahu, the reserves are expected to support kaitiakitaka by recognising the role of mana whenua in protecting taoka species, restoring biodiversity and guiding future decision-making alongside Crown agencies and local communities.
The marine reserves are part of a wider protection process that began more than a decade ago, including the South-East Marine Protection Forum, public consultation and thousands of submissions. DOC says the process included recommendations from Kāi Tahu, fishers, environmental groups, scientists, tourism interests and coastal communities.
The reserves are also expected to provide long-term environmental benefits by allowing habitats and species to rebuild in areas where marine life will be left undisturbed. Conservation groups have described the protection as a significant step for rare and important marine ecosystems along the south-eastern South Island.
Ellison says the challenge now is ensuring the reserves are not treated simply as lines on a map, but as living classrooms where communities, rangatahi and future generations can learn about the moana, Kāi Tahu values and the responsibility to protect marine life.
While no-take reserves restrict harvesting, advocates say they can also help strengthen the wider marine environment by allowing species to breed, grow and spread beyond protected boundaries over time.
The establishment of Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia comes after legal delays and debate over the impact of the reserves, including concerns from parts of the fishing sector. A judicial review had delayed implementation before the process moved forward.
For Kāi Tahu and conservation supporters, the new network signals a shift toward stronger iwi-led stewardship and a longer-term approach to protecting the health of the moana.
As the reserves come into force, attention will now turn to how communities engage with them, how Kāi Tahu values are upheld, and whether the protected areas deliver lasting benefits for marine biodiversity, customary knowledge and future generations.
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