Marine parks
Marine parks, like marine reserves, are protected areas of New Zealand's marine environment. The main difference between the two is that marine reserves generally afford a higher level of protection than marine parks.
Marine parks are not administered by the Department of Conservation; they are protected by the Fisheries and Harbours acts or under their own special legislation. Although marine parks established under the Fisheries Act 1983 continue to be protected, with the passing of the Fisheries Act 1996, no new marine areas can be protected under fisheries legislation.
New Zealand has two marine parks (Mimiwhangata and Tawharanui) under the Fisheries Act. The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park was established under its own special legislation, the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000.
Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected Area
Sugar Loaf Islands marine environment was formerly classified as a marine park. However, this status was changed with the introduction of the Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected Areas Act 1991.