1. Increase marine protection
Commit to protecting at least 30% of Aotearoa New Zealand’s ocean in high-quality, Tiriti-consistent marine protection.
2. Reform outdated marine protection laws
Commit to modernising marine protection legislation to ensure it is fit-for-purpose and enables Tiriti-consistent and tikanga-led tools and approaches to improve ocean health.
3. Support marine protection across the Pacific and in the High Seas
Support high seas MPA proposals under the UN High Seas Treaty, including in the Lord Howe Rise/South Tasman Sea region.
4. Phase out damaging fishing methods
Commit to phasing out destructive fishing practices like bottom-trawling in vulnerable marine ecosystems such as seamounts, and in the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana.
5. Review New Zealand’s fisheries management system
Commit to withdrawing the Fisheries Amendment Bill and reviewing the Quota Management System to prioritise ecosystem health, abundance, and long-term resilience.
6. Increase transparency in commercial fishing
Commit to extending onboard camera coverage to the entire deepwater fleet.
7. Support iwi and hāpu-led marine management
Commit to supporting iwi and hapū-led marine management through resourcing for local marine management planning, strengthening customary management tools, and ensuring Mātauranga Māori is well integrated in research and management.
8. Strengthen protections for marine mammals
Commit to reviewing Aotearoa’s network of Marine Mammal Sanctuaries and introducing fishing restrictions in areas where marine wildlife is being harmed.
9. Safeguard Aotearoa’s threatened seabirds
Commit to extending mandatory seabird bycatch mitigation measures to all commercial fisheries, aligned with international best practice.
10. Prevent extractive industries damaging the ocean
Commit to opposing seabed mining applications in New Zealand waters and reinstating the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration.
We have written to all political parties seeking their position on each of these actions for a healthy ocean. As responses are received, we will publish them here alongside an election tracker so New Zealanders can see where parties stand on protecting our ocean and marine life. Check back soon for updates.
