Victory for Akaroa community as Conservation Minister ordered by High Court to rethink marine reserve proposal

Wellington, New Zealand – After over 17 years of advocating for an Akaroa Harbour marine reserve, a community conservation group has had a major victory after the High Court ordered the Conservation Minister to reconsider their proposal.

The High Court upheld a judicial review brought by the Akaroa Harbour Marine Protection Society against Minister Kate Wilkinson’s 2010 objection to the proposed 530ha marine reserve on the grounds that it would adversely affect recreational fishing in the area.

Kathleen Reid, Secretary of the Society, told WWF: "We first became interested in having a marine reserve because we were very concerned about the degradation of the fish life and the diminishing biodiversity we were witnessing in our own lifetimes. Akaroa harbour has seen an enormous influx of fishers over the last 30 to 40 years and overfishing has resulted in the red cod disappearing from the harbour.

"A marine reserve in this rugged and beautiful area is important for marine biodiversity, fisheries management and our local nature watching industry – and will help restore this part of Akaroa Harbour to its natural state for future generations.”

WWF was one of many groups that supported the Judicial Review case. It believes a fully-protected marine reserve would help preserve the special biodiversity of this area, including the endangered Hector’s dolphins. Only about 7270 dolphins remain, and of these, a significant population of an estimated 1200 animals is found around Banks Peninsula.

Rebecca Bird, WWF-New Zealand’s Marine Programme Manager, said: “This is a great victory for the people of Akaroa, who have been visionary and persistent in their advocacy to ensure their precious marine areas are protected for the future.

“It is also an important reminder to the Conservation Minister that the full benefits of a marine reserve must be considered alongside adverse affects. We are confident that Minister Wilkinson will recognise that the value of protecting this important area and declare this area a marine reserve.”

Less than 1 per cent of New Zealand’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is fully protected in ‘no take’ marine reserves. By comparison, around 20 per cent of our land area has equivalent protection. A Colmar Brunton poll released 12 months ago showed that on average New Zealanders wanted about one third (36 percent) of our oceans protected in marine reserves. WWF advocates for a comprehensive network of marine reserves, covering 30 per cent of our oceans and off-limits to exploitation, to future proof our oceans.

About WWF-New Zealand
WWF-New Zealand is part of the WWF International Network, the world's largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. This is achieved by working on the ground with local communities, and in partnership with government and industry, using the best possible science to advocate change and effective conservation policy.

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