Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia reflects a unique partnership between Kāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation dedicated to protecting and caring for a network of five new marine reserves along the southeast coast of Te Waipounamu.
This spectacular coastline supports some of the most endangered wildlife in Aotearoa New Zealand. Species include hoiho/yellow-eyed penguins, toroa/northern royal albatross and pakake/New Zealand sea lions. These species rely on a healthy marine environment.
The marine reserves protect a range of special environments, including:
- river mouths and estuarine areas
- coastal feeding and foraging zones
- sandy beaches, rocky headlands, dramatic volcanic cliffs and one of the region’s only boulder beaches
- striking Otago Schist rock pools, crevices and gutters
- an offshore seabird sanctuary
- unique canyon ecosystems
The protection of these marine environments enable scientific research, strengthen cultural practices, enhance recreation and tourism opportunities, and help safeguard biodiversity for generations to come.
Learn more about the marine reserves of Te Au Roa Rakihouia
Kāi Tahu partnership
This coastline lies within the takiwā of Kāi Tahu Whānui, encompassing the rohe moana of:
- Te Rūnanga o Moeraki,
- Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou,
- Kati Huirapa Te Rūnaka ki Puketeraki,
- Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua,
- Te Rūnanga o Waihao, and
- Āwarua Rūnanga.
Kāi Tahu maintain an enduring and functional relationship with this coastline – a vital source of life, food, and identity. This relationship is founded on whakapapa (genealogy) and kaitiakitaka (guardianship), with the coast regarded as a taoka (treasure) that links past generations to the present.
Kāi Tahu and DOC are working in partnership to co-manage Te Au Roa, the network of marine reserves. This recognises Kāi Tahu rakatirataka (authority) and kaitiakitaka (guardianship) alongside DOC’s Te Tiriti o Waitangi | Treaty of Waitangi responsibilities.
Te Au Roa will be cared for and monitored by Kai Tahu and DOC rangers. Work will include education, surveillance and ecological and cultural monitoring.
Monitoring will support adaptive management into the future. It will allow decisions to be made based on environmental outcomes, scientific research and mātauraka Kāi Tahu. This will ensure the network continues to deliver lasting benefits for people, place and the moana.
Rakatirataka and kaitiakitaka – recognising Kāi Tahu customary rights
Special measures recognise the customary rights of Kāi Tahu and allow them continued access to the marine reserves to strengthen mātauraka moana (traditional maritime knowledge) through organised wānaka (sharing of knowledge).
The removal of Undaria pinnatifida and the retrieval of koiwi tākata (ancestral remains), artefacts and marine mammal remains by Kāi Tahu are also provided for.
Linking ancient voyaging with the coastal landscape
The name Te Au Roa o Te Rakihoua conveys the enduring ocean pathway (au roa) of Te Rakihouia, son of the great explorer Rākaihautū.
Te Rakihouia was the first person to journey along and around the eastern coastline of Te Waipounamu, forging relationships with the bays, currents, fisheries and coastal landscapes of this region.
Part of a wider network
The marine reserves in Te Au Roa are the first in this region. They form part of a proposed network of 12 marine protected areas complementing existing mātaitai and taiāpure reserves. This network will protect key habitats, support biodiversity, and improve the long‑term health of the moana.
This kaupapa has been developed over more than 13 years through collaboration, partnership and commitment.
See new marine reserves for the southeast of the South Island for more information about the establishment of the proposed marine protection network.