Te Angiangi Marine Reserve reviewed

Children checking out the sea-life in the rockpools at Te Angiangi Marine Reserve in Central Hawke’s Bay.

The Department of Conservation and Ngāti Kere have completed a review of Te Angiangi Marine Reserve in Tamatea, Central Hawke’s Bay.

Te Angiangi Marine Reserve protects an area of the coast between Aramoana and Blackhead. Ngāti Kere holds mana whenua over the area, and partnered with DOC on the review when it began in 2023.

This is the first in a series of marine protected area reviews DOC is undertaking, aiming to determine whether the marine protection measures currently in place are meeting their intended objectives, and whether these objectives reflect today’s conservation and community priorities.

DOC director for regulatory systems performance Siobhan Quayle said the review provided valuable data to inform where improvements could be made.

“The reserve provides opportunities for recreation, educational programmes, and scientific studies,” she said.

Te Angiangi Marine Reserve in Central Hawke’s Bay.

“DOC needs to reinvigorate species monitoring at the reserve, and do more to connect with the community, and now we have the data to back up those efforts.”

David Tipene-Leach, chairman of Ngāti Kere Hapū Authority, said Te Angiangi Marine Reserve was an important part of contemporary Ngāti Kere history.

“Te Angiangi is a great fishing ground, given up a generation ago for the public good.

“This review gives us an excellent oversight of its progress over that time, as well as the effects of management gaps, natural disasters, and compliance problems.

“Most importantly, the review provides impetus for mana whenua and community to input into how this pristine seacoast environment is maintained and managed, how we can create opportunities for recreational visitors, and how to better support the replenishment of fishing stocks along our coastline.”

DOC District Operations in Ahuriri/ Napier will lead implementation of the recommendations.

DOC’s district operations team will seek input from key stakeholders and the community to help develop the implementation plan.

For more information on the review and its recommendations, visit the DOC website.