As a result of a successful first year of partnership, DOC and Air New Zealand last night announced an extension to the relationship with an exciting new venture into New Zealand’s rich and complex marine environment.
Snorkeller at Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve
Photo: Brian Mackie ©
New Zealand is an island nation and the marine environment is a quintessential part of our way of life—think of camping by the sea, swimming and diving in clean water with rich sea life, recreational fishing and spending quality time with the whanau.
Kayakers exploring Te Whanganui-a-hei (Cathedral Cove)
Photo: Rob Suisted ©
Air New Zealand’s support will allow us to expand our marine monitoring programme in marine reserves, providing vital research into species population numbers. They will also promote these reserves, highlighting the important role marine environments play in our kiwi lifestyle.
Jewel anemones in the Kapiti Marine Reserve
Photo: Danica Stent
Marine reserves attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and include a network of iconic destinations from the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve off the coast of Northland to Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve located around Stewart Island/Rakiura in the south.
Our partnership with Air New Zealand has already delivered fabulous results for conservation, with over 500 endangered animals relocated, four new biodiversity projects established, and a significant increase in people experiencing New Zealand’s Great Walks. We’re now looking forward to getting our new marine venture sailing!
“For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century is beginning to realise that, in order to survive, he must protect it.” – Jacques-Yves Cousteau
So where is the marine protection for the Marlborough Sounds? or are they simply going to continue to pollute this iconic waterway with the support of Government and NZ King Salmon by developing Salmon Farms in the waterways which, with todays technology could go land based.