The New Zealand Government originally finalized the Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill in October 2025 to preserve the Hauraki Gulf. However, this is now at risk as the government is working directly against this pivotal legislation by proposing potential ring-net fishing in two areas that were previously designated as highly protected.

Ring-net fishing poses a significant threat to our local ocean ecosystems. This method of fishing collects everything in its path, from dolphins to stingrays and other vulnerable species that people have fought so hard to protect. These ways of fishing lead to overfishing, which not only harms our marine life but also severely disrupts the balance of our ocean habitats.

The Hauraki Gulf and the sea life living there deserve our protection. It is home to many marine species, many of which are already under environmental pressure. Allowing harmful fishing practices like ring-net fishing in these highly protected areas could have devastating effects on our marine biodiversity and irreversibly damage the natural ecosystems. According to the Hauraki Gulf Alliance, ring net fishing needs to be banned due to it's contribution to wastage, biodiversity loss and climate change. 

We call upon the Government of New Zealand to uphold the protections promised under the Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill. It's our current responsibility to make sure that future generations get an ocean full of life and vitality, not one destroyed by short-sighted decisions. WWF New Zealand states that 'Overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, sedimentation, and the effects of poorly planned urban development have led to a 57 percent decline in key fish stocks, a 67 percent decline in seabirds, and a 97 percent decline in whales and dolphins in the Gulf. Snapper and crayfish populations are functionally extinct in some areas.' 

This petition is made as part of a high school social campaign by two students. Sign this petition to stand with us in protecting the Hauraki Gulf from destructive fishing practices and to urge our government to honor the commitments made to our marine environments. Together, we can help keep our oceans and the life within them safe.