Abstract:
SeaChange Tai Timu Tai Pari is the stakeholder-led marine spatial planning ("MSP") project for the Hauraki Gulf. The project has been in progress for approximately three years. The Hauraki Gulf is a very significant area to mana whenua, the communities of the Gulf and to New Zealanders more generally. The Hauraki Gulf is a taonga, and marine spatial planning provides an opportunity for a structured and collaborative approach to planning for the protection and sustainable use of that taonga. The project was launched following recognition of a long term decline in the Hauraki Gulf environment and contesting aspirations to use the gulf resources. The aspiration through SeaChange Tai Timu Tai Pari is to enhance the health, productivity and sustainability of the Hauraki Gulf – the mauri. Ultimately, the long term attainment of the aspiration will depend on planning associated with surrounding lands and activities. The MSP development process is the responsibility of the Stakeholder Working Group (SWG). This is a unique approach internationally, notable for the scale of the undertaking with many sector representatives engaged directly and representatives of other sectors consulted during the planning process. The SWG has benefitted from interaction with the Hauraki 100 process and a cross section of interested parties. The SeaChange Tai Timu Tai Pari Independent Review Panel ("Panel") was appointed by the Project Steering Group in July 2014. The composition of the Panel is set out in Appendix One. The Panel’s role has been to conduct interviews and review materials to assess progress of the planning process, and to provide recommendations to assist the project participants to produce a high quality plan