Hauraki Gulf islands at risk

The Environmental Defence Society has warned that the unique landscapes of some of Auckland’s treasured Hauraki Gulf islands are at risk from a “woeful” lack of planning and protection. The report lays much of the blame at the feet of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act – a frustration shared in the latest State of the Gulf report, which argues the balance was tipped too far towards “development and utilisation” over the environment. As the NZ Herald reports, the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana is world-renowned for its outstanding landscapes, rich indigenous biodiversity and spiritual importance to Māori.