Five new marine reserves will come into effect off Otago’s coast next month, protecting 304sq km, or 4%, of the region’s coastal marine area.
The marine reserves are fully protected, no-take areas intended to minimise human disturbance and, once in place, will be co-managed by the Department of Conservation and Kāi Tahu.
Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou upoko Edward Ellison said the marine reserves and management approach were an ‘‘outstanding result’’ after 30 years of work and engagement.
‘‘It's really about continuing what we've been doing on the land for 34-odd years with ... the Department of Conservation and councils and extending our kaitiakitaka [guardianship and protection] into the marine area in a more active way.’’
The network of reserves, previously known as the South-East Marine Protection Network, is named Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia, acknowledging Kāi Tahu ancestral explorers and long-standing connections to the coastal landscape.
Mr Ellison said the name referred to the long wake or enduring ocean pathway of Te Rakihouia, son of the great explorer Rākaihautū and the first-known human to journey along and around the coastline of the South Island.
‘‘I think what it's going to do along our Otago coast is really open up another engagement relationship with our wānaka [learning] for ourselves, but also the communities and understand better just what's happening within our waters,’’ Mr Ellison said.
Governance and management structures recognising the rakatirataka [authority] and kaitiakitaka of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki and Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou in their rohe [territories] would help ensure decisions on the network’s management reflected customary practices and local knowledge, he said.
In a statement, Doc operations director Aaron Fleming said a team of Doc and Kāi Tahu rangers would carry out day-to-day management and monitoring of the reserves while, in a new approach, decision-making would be shared between the two parties.
‘‘We’re excited to get to this point and look forward to the benefits marine protection will bring to Otago’s amazing marine life and the region.’’
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said the new reserves were a significant step forward for conservation in New Zealand.
‘‘It protects special places, strengthens biodiversity, and helps ensure future generations can experience the extraordinary marine life that makes the Deep South unique.’’
The marine reserves were gazetted on May 28 and preparations are under way for July 1, when they come into effect, including developing maps, signage and information for the public.
The boundaries of a sixth marine reserve southeast of Shag Point, Te Umukōau, are being reconsidered following consultation with the Otago Rock Lobster Industry Association and others involved in recent judicial review proceedings.
The Conservation Minister is to decide on the new boundaries.
