Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers

Good news: I am pleased to say that a new 854-hectare marine reserve off the Wellington south coast has been established. Today notice of the reserve was published in the New Zealand Gazette, and the protections of this no-take reserve will come into force in 28 days’ time. I would like to congratulate the applicants, the Wellington branch of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, and the Wellington South Coast Marine Reserve Coalition, on their dedication to this project.

💬 Hon Marian Hobbs: With thanks to the Minister: how does this reserve add to the Government’s programme of work for marine protection around the country?

This Government is committed to protecting examples of our unique marine ecosystems. Since 2000 we have added 17 new marine reserves.

💬 Hon Peter Dunne: How, in the light of the embarrassing defeat that her department suffered through the Minister of Fisheries’ decision to decline to approve the huge marine reserve for Great Barrier Island, does she consider it now prudent to develop a framework by which no-take marine reserves comprise only one part of a graduated plan to ensure the sustainability of the marine environment, and that the process for deciding where to establish such marine reserves should be more transparent and ensure that the views of all stakeholders, including recreational fishers, are taken properly into account?

We are certainly making progress on targets for marine protection. Within our territorial sea, 7.6 percent of the marine area is protected by marine reserves, and we are currently working to further increase that area through the marine protected areas mechanism, which creates a network of protection in 14 coastal regions throughout New Zealand. I think the member will be pleased with the progress.