The existing Marine Reserves Act came into effect in 1971. One of the priority actions for marine and coastal biodiversity in the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy is to review the Act “…to better provide for the protection of marine biodiversity…”.
The Department of Conservation distributed a discussion document on the review in October 2000, and held 16 hui and 16 public meetings between November 2000 and February 2001. The discussion document attracted 256 submissions.
A draft new Marine Reserves Bill was introduced to Parliament on Friday 7 June 2002.
Latest update, August 2008
The Bill had its first reading in Parliament on Tuesday 15 October 2002, and was referred to the Local Government and Environment Select Committee.
The Select Committee received 165 submissions on the Bill and completed its hearings of submissions.
In 2005 the Bill was carried over to the new parliament after the election.
The Local Government and Environment Select Committee is now expected to report back on the Bill by 6 October 2008.
Printed copies of the Marine Reserves Bill are available from Bennetts Government Bookshop outlets in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, or can be ordered through Whitcoulls bookshops. Cost: $6.85.