A once in a lifetime chance for our oceans

NZ’s current Marine Reserves Bill is more than 40 years old, and desperately out of date. After promising an update for nearly 15 years, the Government has finally released a discussion draft – which does not include 96% of NZ oceans.

That’s right. The entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is specifically left out of the draft legislation. Some extraordinary habitats and animals exist only in these deep seas and need certainty of protection. The only certainty offered in this document is to the oil, gas and mineral industries.

This may be the one chance in our lifetimes to create legislation that allows meaningful protection of our oceans. Let’s make sure the Government gets it right.

We ask that you take some time from your day or evening to urge the Government to include the EEZ in their proposed Marine Protected Areas Act. Consider writing a letter by hand. It’s often more effective and postage is free.

You have until 5.00pm on 11 March 2016 to do so, but there’s no time like the present! Here’s a guide to making a submission – make sure to read our media release and keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.