New Zealand’s renowned Paua mussels, blue starfish and coraline seaweeds are found in the new marine reserves – Image: DOC/Michael Ellison
In time for World Environment and Ocean Days (5 & 8 June), New Zealand has protected five new marine reserves on it’s South Island coastline. The government’s Department of Conservation (DOC) announced Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia as the Maori name for the Otago region’s new protected network, reflecting ancient voyaging traditions and associations.
The five new marine reserves, due to come into effect next month, will protect special and unique marine habitats and marine life along the Otago coast. Together they will cover 308 square kilometres or four per cent of the Otago coastal marine area.
Previously known as the South-East Marine Protection Network (SEMP), Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia acknowledges Kāi Tahu (local Maori tribe) ancestral explorers and long-standing connections to the coastal landscape.
Kāi Tahu elder Edward Ellison says the creation of the marine protection network is a pivotal step toward promoting the long-term health of this precious marine environment.
DOC and Kaī Tahu will work in partnership to co-manage the marine reserves once they are in place.
Blue Moki fish off New Zealand’s Otago coast – Image: DOC/Michael Ellison
Forest & Bird: More ocean protection needed in New Zealand
New Zealand’s biggest environmental protection organisation, Forest & Bird, welcomes the official government notice of the five new marine reserves, “marking a significant milestone in a process more than a decade in the making”.
Forest & Bird Otago/Southland Regional Conservation Manager Chelsea McGaw says this important step reflects long-term commitment from many organisations and individuals, as well as successive governments. The process was initiated by Ministers in 2014.
The reserves increase New Zealand’s mainland marine reserve coverage by over 300 km² of new marine protection.
McGaw says the five reserves will protect a range of ecosystems – from coastal waters to river mouths, estuaries, and tidal lagoons – safeguarding habitats and foraging areas for species including toroa northern royal albatross, pakake sea lions, kororā little penguins, and hoiho yellow-eyed penguins.
Now protected: Green Island off the Otago Coast, New Zealand – Image: DOC/Paul Pope
“Strong marine protection safeguards biodiversity, rebuilds fish populations, and strengthens ocean resilience,” says McGaw.
Importantly, Forest & Bird says this milestone must be seen as a starting point rather than the finish line.
Despite today’s progress, the reserves protect just over 4% of the south-east coast and still leave important habitats without meaningful protection.
More broadly, New Zealand was once considered a global leader in marine protection, but – despite controlling one of the world’s largest Exclusive Economic Zones – it has now fallen behind international standards.
Globally, nearly 200 countries – including New Zealand – have committed to protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. But less than 1% of New Zealand’s marine environment is fully protected in no-take reserves. Australia has already protected 24% of its ocean from fishing, drilling, and mining and has plans to reach 30% by 2030.
Diverse seaweed community inside New Zealand’s new marine reserves – Image: DOC/Chris Hepburn
NAN/DOC/Forest & Bird 05-06-26
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