The National Party has proposed the creation of a new marine reserve off Waiheke Island and plans to expand the existing reserve near Goat Island if elected in the upcoming New Zealand general election. The proposed Hākaimangō-Matiatia Marine Reserve would cover 23.5 square kilometers surrounding Waiheke Island.

In addition to establishing new protected areas, National has committed to reviewing bottom trawling practices within New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The party aims to increase protection from bottom trawling by expanding the protected area from the current 32% to 50% of the EEZ by 2040, according to its policy document. This stance aligns in part with the Opportunity Party’s call for an immediate cessation of bottom trawling in heavily damaged inshore areas such as the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana, followed by a staged phase-out of the practice.

National's Oceans and Fisheries spokesman Todd McClay and Conservation spokesperson Tama Potaka emphasized that their policy supports both the environmental health of the Hauraki Gulf and the interests of recreational fishers. McClay highlighted the importance of maintaining sustainable fishing practices that allow “the Kiwi tradition of catching a feed” to continue while also ensuring seafood supplies for commercial purposes, including fish and chip shops and exports. The policy also includes a commitment to ban commercial fishing in the Hauraki Gulf’s High Protection Areas by removing existing exemptions for ringnet fishers, which were introduced in legislation last year.

The Labour Party, currently in government, responded critically to National’s announcement. Labour leader Chris Hipkins questioned National’s reliability in following through on conservation promises. He recalled that when Labour introduced protections for the Hauraki Gulf, the National Party criticized the measures for not going far enough but had subsequently reversed much of the progress while in government. Hipkins reaffirmed Labour’s commitment to banning bottom trawling in the Hauraki Gulf and providing comprehensive protections for the marine environment.

The marine reserve proposals form part of a broader national conversation on balancing environmental sustainability with commercial and recreational fishing interests in New Zealand’s coastal waters. The upcoming election is likely to see further debate on how best to protect sensitive marine ecosystems while supporting the fishing industry.