Update: 15 September 2026
The review of the Kaikōura (Te Tai ō Marokura) Marine Management Act 2014 is now complete, and the resulting report has been tabled in Parliament. You can read the report on the Department of Conservation's website.
Kaikōura/Te Tai-o-Marokura marine management – Department of Conservation
Update – 23 October 2025
Closing extended
The consultation was extended for 2 weeks to close on 11 November 2025.
This consultation was part of a review
The Kaikōura (Te Tai ō Marokura) Marine Management Act 2014 underwent a 10-year review to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the management measures it established, and this consultation was an opportunity for the public to provide their input to the review.
Kaikōura (Te Tai ō Marokura) Marine Management Act 2014 (Section 8)
The Department of Conservation (DOC) and Fisheries New Zealand jointly carried out the review on behalf of the Minister of Conservation and the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries.
Background information
The management measures under review were:
- the Kaikōura Marine Guardians
- a marine reserve (Hikurangi)
- a whale sanctuary (Te Rohe o Te Whānau Puha)
- a New Zealand fur seal sanctuary (Ōhau New Zealand)
- mātaitai reserves (Mangamaunu, Oaro, and Te Waha o te Marangai)
- taiāpure-local fisheries (Te Taumanu o Te Waka a Māui and Oaro–Haumuri)
The Act recognises the unique coastal and marine environment, the distinctive biological diversity, and the area's cultural heritage. The measures help protect and manage the environment sustainably.
We invited anyone who uses, values, or enjoys the Kaikōura Marine Area to send us their comments.
Find out more
DOC's website has further information about the consultation, including documents.
Consultation on the Kaikōura Marine Area review – DOC
Terms of reference for the Kaikōura Marine Area review – DOC [PDF, 323 KB]