The final decision on the proposed Motiti Protection Areas was released by the Environment Court on Friday afternoon
[SUBS: 24 April 2020].
The decision directs Bay of Plenty Regional Council to implement new rules within its Regional Coastal Environment Plan
to protect three reef systems near Motiti Island and complete scientific monitoring to inform future integrated marine
management solutions.
As a consequence of the Court’s decision the taking of fish will be prohibited around three specific reef systems near
Motiti Island. The rules will apply to everyone, including customary, recreational and commercial fishers.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chief Executive Fiona McTavish says although the Motiti Protection Areas have come about
through an appeal process rather than being proposed by the Council, the outcome is a good one for the marine
environment.
“The Environment Court decision acknowledges the significant marine biodiversity, landscape and cultural values of these
reef systems and takes the first steps to helping ensure they are protected for future generations. These significant
values were already recognised in the Coastal Plan, although there were no rules in the Plan preventing the taking of
fish in order to protect those values.”
Primarily conducted through the Environment Court and involving complex legal arguments, the five year appeal process
has been demanding for regional council, tangata whenua and interested stakeholders alike. The process was longer than
usual because the question of whether regional councils can control fishing through regional plans was tested in the
High Court and Court of Appeal.
“We understand these reefs are important to the local fishing community and that many will feel affected by the change.
“We are committed to providing clarity around what the outcome of this complex legal case means for our community and
will be working with all stakeholders to make sure the new rules are well understood”, says Ms McTavish.
The Council is preparing the amendments directed by the Court for final confirmation. Once confirmed by the Court the
Council will update the Regional Coastal Environment Plan to include the new provisions. These amendments will then be
sent through to the Minister of Conservation for approval. Once approved, the changes will be publicly notified and the
rules will become operative and enforceable. It is therefore expected to take a number of months before the rules are
implemented.
You can find out more about the Motiti Protection Areas and read a full copy of the Environment Court decision here.
The three Motiti Protection Areas within Motiti Natural Environment Management Area include: Motiti Protection Area 1
Coastal Marine Area Otaiti (Astrolabe Reef), Te Porotiti, o Karapu and Te Papa (also known as Brewis Shoals), Motiti
Protection Area 2 Coastal marine area around Motunau (also known as Plate Island), Motiti Protection Area 3 Coastal
marine area around Motuhaku (also known as Schooner Rocks or Schooner Island). Click through to access and download the Motiti Protection Areas map