Submissions for the proposed Hākaimangō-Matiatia Marine Reserve in the Hauraki Gulf opened on 20 January and closed on Sunday, 20 March.
Of the submissions processed to date, the vast majority (92%) are in support of the proposal, after a successful publicity campaign conducted by a coalition of local and national conservation groups and lobbyists.
Supporters include Friends of the Hauraki Gulf, Forest & Bird, Auckland Council and others, including such notable figures as former Minister of Conservation (2002–2007) Hon Chris Carter.
However, there are significant objections, including from Waiheke residents organised as ‘Coastal Custodians’, the recreational fishing group Legasea, and the NZ Sports Fishing Council. Individuals representing the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust, NZ Rock Lobster Industry Council, The Paua Industry Council and Fisheries Inshore NZ also registered opposition, as did…