Sperm whale fluke, Kaikōura
Image: Andrew Walmsley | ©

Kaikōura Marine Guardians

Introduction

The Guardians provide advice to the Ministers of Conservation and Primary Industries, and to any persons exercising statutory powers in the area, on matters related to Te Tai-o-Marokura. Nominations for members is now open.

Kaikōura Marine Guardians nominations are open

We are seeking nominations from people with an affiliation to the Kaikōura region, and with interests and expertise relating to conservation, fishing, education, marine science, biosecurity, environment or tourism. 

The term of membership is four years (2024-2028), giving members the opportunity to contribute to the management and enhancement of the Kaikōura marine environment.

The Guardians consists of up to 11 members appointed jointly by the Minister of Conservation and the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries.

For more information about the purpose of the Guardians and the role, responsibilities and expectations of committee members, refer to the terms of reference (PDF, 934K)

How to nominate a Kaikōura Marine Guardians member

Any person or organisation may make a nomination. Nominations close 5 pm, Friday 16 February 2024.

Return the form by email or post. Details are in the form.

If you would prefer a paper nomination form or have questions, email: nominations@doc.govt.nz.

Ministers and persons exercising statutory powers will take the Kaikōura Marine Guardians’ advice into account, where it relates exclusively to the Kaikōura Marine Area.

The Kaikōura coastal and marine environment has historical, cultural, environmental and economic significance due to its dynamic geography, geology and abundance of aquatic life and resources.

Establishment and purpose

Recognising the need to safeguard this environment, the Kaikōura Marine Guardians was established under the Kaikōura (Te Tai o Marakura) Marine Management  Act 2014. 

They represents iwi and local community interests and provides advice to Ministers responsible for biosecurity, conservation and fisheries on matters related to the marine and coastal environment within the Kaikōura Marine Area – Te Whata Kai o Rakihouia i | Te Tai ō Marokura. 

The Act established a number of marine protection and sustainable fisheries measures in the Kaikōura marine environment. These include:

  • a New Zealand Fur Seal Sanctuary at Ōhau Point to limit human disturbance to fur seals, while allowing the public to view the colony from a safe distance
  • a new marine reserve that will encompass the Kaikōura canyon area and connects to the coast south of the Kaikōura township
  • two taiāpure-local fisheries to provide traditional food gathering areas around the Kaikōura Peninsula that will allow commercial fishing to continue
  • three mātaitai reserves where commercial fishing will be prohibited to protect the traditional food gathering areas and allow for recreational fishing.

Functions and administration

There are eleven members appointed by the Minsiters of Conservation and Primary Industries for five year terms, to represent Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the Kaikōura community, and biosecurity, conservation, education, environment, fishing, marine science and tourism interests.

The Act requires that the protection provided by the Act, is reviewed no later than September 2024. This review does not include matters not covered by the Act, such as general fisheries management measures.

Annual reports

Contact

The Chairperson
Kaikōura Marine Guardians
PO Box 51, Renwick
Marlborough 7243

Phone: +64 3 572 9100

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