Submission: Kaikōura/Te Tai o Marokura Marine Management Review
About the consultation
The Department of Conservation and Fisheries New Zealand are
consulting on the future of marine management in Kaikōura.
The management measures established by the Kaikōura (Te Tai o Marokura) Marine Management Act 2014 are being reviewed.
The aim of the 10-year review is to assess the 'operation and effectiveness' of management measures that are currently in place.
These measures are:
The Kaikōura Marine Guardians
Hikurangi Marine Reserve
Te Rohe o Te Whānau Puha Whale Sanctuary
Ōhau New Zealand Fur Seal Sanctuary
Mangamaunu Mātaitai, Oaro Mātaitai and Te Waha o te Marangai Mātaitai
Te Taumanu o Te Waka a Māui Taiāpure and Oaro-Haumuri Taiāpure
Summary of ELI’s response to the proposal:
The Environmental Law Initiative supports the continued protection of the Kaikōura Marine Area and the vital roles of Ngāi Tahu, Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura, and the Marine Guardians. In our submission, we urge decision-makers to assess whether current measures are effectively protecting marine mammals, noting Ministry for Primary Industries data showing seal and dolphin deaths within sanctuary boundaries. We recommended stronger protections under the Kaikōura (Te Tai o Marokura) Marine Management Act — including prohibiting trawl and set-net fishing within Te Rohe o Te Whānau Puha Whale Sanctuary — to better safeguard Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, and other marine species.
Consultation closed on 11 November 2025. Click here to see the consultation page.