19/11/2025
Recently there have been well-publicised and much-debated changes to the Hauraki Gulf with the introduction of High Protection Areas and Special Protection Areas - and as recreational anglers we’re making some big sacrifices of giving up some great fishing zones in the name of conservation.
This has been a process years in the making and, for the most part, it’s one we’re onboard with as no-one can argue that as stakeholders we all have a responsibility to chip in and protect the much loved Hauraki Gulf - here comes the “but”. The catalyst for so much of the current discontent is the final hour, zero consultation amendment to factor in commercial activity in an HPA which has missed the mark in our, and the general public’s views. And regardless of how it is trying to be minimised and rationalised, it’s just tone deaf and has unwittingly been the spark that has finally lit this quickly growing flame.
This has motivated us to dig deeper into proposed law changes to how much future public consultation is required for changes to fisheries laws, how our fish are financially incentivised for export (ala butter and lamb), and proposed changes to adding commercial values to protected species like marlin and vulnerable reef fish.
Safe to say, from a recreational fisher and everyday kiwi perspective now is the time to mobilise to make our powerful voice heard in the form of the upcoming One Oceans Protest. This isn’t anti-commercial as we believe there is room for everyone to benefit from what our oceans have on offer, we just need to find our common thread of sustainable action and keep each other accountable with respectful and robust conversations.
The One Ocean Protest starts at 8:30am on Saturday November 22nd, leaving from the Albany Park-N-Ride, and will be a display of recreational fishing passion with boats being towed across Auckland. So if you’re keen to get involved and make your voice heard we’d love to see you there.
Follow the One Ocean Protest page and stay across updates and developments.
And if you can’t make it, then remember that your vote is your best foot forward for meaningful change, so make sure to do your research and see which party best aligns with your fisheries management values and vote accordingly next year.
See you out there.
