A bill designating 19 new marine protected areas for Hauraki Gulf Marine Park has been passed, with the new regulations slated to come into effect “before the end of 2025.” Comprising extensions to two existing marine reserves (Cathedral Cove and Cape Rodney/Goat Island), 12 high-protection areas, and five large seafloor protection areas, the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act is New Zealand’s most significant increase in marine protection in over a decade, and it will have a considerable impact on recreational fishers, divers, and boaters in the region.
No fishing whatsoever is allowed in high-protection areas, including for lobsters and shellfish, except for the customary practices of tangata whenua. Strangely, some limited commercial ring-netting is still permitted. Go figure. Line fishing, spear fishing, and diving for seafood are allowed in the much larger seafloor protection areas, but any activities that could damage the seafloor, such as bottom trawling, dredging, dumping or discharging waste, aquaculture, mining, and sand removal, are prohibited. These activities are, of course, also prohibited in high-protection areas, but careful anchoring is allowed in both zones.
Boaters and fishers will have to quickly get their heads around these new protected areas, many of which are popular with recreational anglers – some are among my personal favourite fishing locations, so I know I will be affected. The changes will likely impact the businesses of fishing charter operators as well. Next month, a new column, Maritime Law, explores the options available should you be apprehended in one of these zones (or a marine reserve or cable zone) doing something you shouldn’t.
As for doing something you should, whether as a spectator or participant, the 2015-26 Offshore Powerboat Championship series kicked off from Gulf Harbour on Saturday, October 11. In an event impeccably organised by racing maestro Ryan Archer, competitors vied for the Archer Cup, donated
by Ryan’s grandfather. Boating NZ was there (for the full report, go to our website, or scan the QR code) and noted the encouraging number of young, first-time entrants. These enthusiastic newbies are surely the future of the sport, which, judging by this event, looks bright indeed.
Also great to see was the recent grand opening of HamiltonJet’s new manufacturing plant in Christchurch. The new 7500m2 facility marks one of the most significant expansions in the company’s 70-year history and a milestone for advanced manufacturing in New Zealand. Attended by more than 450 guests, including Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Building & Construction, the event brought together HamiltonJet’s global leadership team, its Christchurch workforce, and industry partners to celebrate a major investment in New Zealand’s future. HamiltonJet is an icon of the New Zealand marine industry, which has successfully diversified its business and grown its market internationally. Its products are used in more than 70 countries, powering navies and coastguards, commercial ferries, windfarm support vessels, and hybrid craft.
Congratulations on the new factory, HamiltonJet. Here’s to the future!
