27337 (2025). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Conservation

27337 (2025). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Conservation: Further to oral question No. 7 on May 15, Does the Minister agree that the Hauraki Gulf is a “mud-stained bottom” and if so why and if not why not?

Hon Tama Potaka: The Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana (the Gulf) is a taonga of natural, economic, recreational and cultural importance. It is not only significant for the vast biodiversity it contains, but it is also of huge importance to mana moana and the wider community. However, the Gulf is under immense pressure. Threats to the Gulf include overfishing, sedimentation, invasive species and climate change impacts. These pressures have had significant impacts on some areas of the seafloor. The Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill (the Bill) will establish 19 new marine protection areas that will contribute to the restoration of the health and mauri of the Gulf. I look forward to taking the Bill through the final parliamentary stages soon. The Bill will work alongside other initiatives, such as the Hauraki Gulf Fisheries Plan 2023, to address the threats to the Gulf.