This Saturday the first One Ocean Protest will take place against the new Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act, which came into force last weekend. The Act restricts recreational fishing in twelve high-protection areas across the Gulf but allows commercial and customary fishing to continue in several zones. Organisers say the exemptions favour a small number of commercial operators and undermine the intended protections for the Gulf’s ecosystems.
Ben Chissell, organiser of the One Ocean Protest, said, “It’s the public versus the government. It’s about the rules being made for us, not by us.”
The protest reflects growing frustration that the new law pushes recreational fishers further offshore into unfamiliar areas. People on Great Barrier Island have raised concerns on the community facebook page that the lack of new local protection zones will leave the island exposed, increase boating traffic, put pressure on fish stocks, and create potential safety risks for those venturing into unfamiliar waters.
“People just wanting to catch a feed for their whānau or enjoy a day on the water are now being pushed further offshore into unfamiliar areas,” said Scott Malcon, a long-standing tackle industry representative who will be among the convoy.
Professor Simon Thrush of the University of Auckland, who advised on the legislation, said, “The value of the ocean is not just what you eat. It’s unfortunate that limited commercial fishing can still take place in two of the twelve areas, but it’s better that we’ve got protection measures across a much larger portion of the Gulf.”
The protest has drawn support from high-profile celebrity backers including keen angler and rugby player Kurt Eklund. Organisers say Saturday’s event is a chance for the public to show concern for the Gulf and call for enforcement of the law without exemptions that weaken its protections.
The protest will assemble at Albany Park ’n’ Ride on Saturday, 22 November. Arrival is from 7:30am, with the convoy departing at 8:30am. One Ocean volunteers will direct parking, and a police vehicle will lead the convoy along the route. Participants are asked to follow all road rules and traffic laws, secure all flags and banners, and maintain safe distances. Real-time updates and announcements will be posted on the One Ocean Protest Facebook page. In a major emergency, call 111 immediately. Organisers emphasise this is a peaceful protest and encourage participants to use common sense and look out for one another.
