Hauraki Gulf Marine Park celebrates 10th Anniversary

Celebrating the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park 10^th Anniversary 27 February

Mike Lee addressing the gathering at Home Bay

Home Bay, Motutapu, was the idyllic setting of the 10^th Anniversary of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park celebration. The Department of Conservation, led by Sean Goddard, hosted the event which was marked with a mihi and participation by Iwi who have relationships with the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park islands, marine areas and catchments.

Guest speakers included the Minister of Conservation, Hon Kate Wilkinson who identified the Gulf as a treasure with multifarious values and worthy of our protection from adverse human impacts. John Tregidga, Chair of the Hauraki Gulf Forum and Mike Lee, Deputy Chair of the Forum and Chair of the Auckland Regional Council, spoke of the work of the Forum in integrating the management of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and also acknowledged the progress made by volunteers on Hauraki Gulf Islands.

The Forum announced that Rob Fenwick had vested 318 hectares in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. He will manage his family owned land in accordance with purposes of the marine park: to protect natural and historic features in perpetuity. Graeme Campbell, architect of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000, and Strategic Planner at Waitakere City Council, announced that the Council were adding 200 hectares of coastal land at the head of the harbour to the Park.

Guests had lunch under a shelter by the Reid Homestead, and watched waka ama pass by on a round the islands relay. It was an idyllic day.

Fullers ran three cruises to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on 14^th March. The cruise took in Motuihe, Waiheke, the Noises, Rakino and Motutapu with guided walks on both Motuihe and Motutapu.