PHOTO: DOCConservationists are celebrating five new coastal Otago marine reserves being given the green light — a milestone they say has been three decades in the making. PHOTO: RICHARD DAVISONConservation stalwart Sue Maturin said she had been involved in trying to establish marine reserves in Otago for more than 25 years. Ms Maturin, a member of the South-East Marine Protection Forum which first proposed the reserves in 2018, said New Zealand’s international reputation for marine protection had "taken a dive". The marine reserves and associated marine protected area network were announced by then Conservation Minister Willow-Jean Prime and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Rachel Brooking. The Department of Conservation said the gazettal process for the five marine reserves was likely to be completed in the first half of next year.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 29, 2025 19:34 UTC