This is a report on the recent public feedback and consultation  meeting which followed the 3 day conference on Hauraki Gulf marine conservation held by the Waiheke Collective.

We now have clear evidence that participants in the hui were vetted to ensure their views aligned with those of the meeting organisers. Any claim this represented a “cross section of views” is false.

Ahu Moana came through as a recommendation of the conference. What a 100 metre wide “management zone” around the Waiheke coast will achieve in terms of serious marine conservation is hard to imagine.

Additionally the conference proposed to “Advocate local and central government to create effective legislation for coastal areas that is reactive and agile to include: Vessel registration, identification and skipper licensing. Delegated responsibility for local management of compliance, monitoring and enforcement.”

The conference outcomes have excluded no-take marine reserves. This is despite the attendance of marine scientists and despite research showing that these are by far the most effective form of marine conservation.

The only conclusion we can come to is that as far as marine conservation is concerned the conference was a waste of participants’ time. It reinforces the view that the real purpose is to enable iwi control of assets and erode the principle of one person one vote.

We will update the petition and keep it active, please continue to share it.