The Mussel Reef Restoration Trust has submitted in support of the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill. This Bill forms part of the Government’s Revitalising the Gulf strategy, a response to a decades worth of work from community groups, iwi, NGOs and government agencies, starting with the Seachange Tai Timu Tai Pari marine spatial plan (2013). The Bill will establish:

• 12 new High Protection Areas (HPAs) to protect and enhance marine habitats and ecosystems while providing for the customary practices for mana whenua.
• 5 Seafloor Protection Areas (SPAs) to protect sensitive seafloor habitats.
• 2 extensions to the existing Marine Reserves at Whanganui-a-Hei and Goat Island.