Hauraki Gulf

Cost of living used as a reason to allow commercial fishing in the Hauraki Gulf

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka stands behind the last-minute amendments to the Hauraki Moana Protection Bill, allowing commercial operators to fish certain species.

After two decades of failed attempts to rescue and restore the health and mauri of the Hauraki Gulf, the coalition government has announced it will allow commercial fishing.

The document sold for NZ$100,000 in March, with the London auction house tight-lipped about who bought it.

The protection bill aims to see an increase in protection of the seafloor from 0.3% to 6% as a starting point.

The Ministry of Primary Industries is seeking feedback on an application relating to three areas in the Hauraki Gulf.

The land deed, which was signed on September 23, 1826, represents the earliest organised attempt at the colonisation of Aotearoa.

Eighteen per cent of the gulf will be protected as a marine reserve, but the economic consequences for commercial fishing means the government won't outlaw bottom trawling.