b'Editorial Digital Issue #67 - 2025FISHING IN GODZONE Issue #67COVER PHOTO Kent Jeffries with a solid North Cape snapper caught on a Z-man Motor Oil softbait.EDITOR AT LARGE Mathew HewetsonWRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Scott Cushman, LegaSea, Tairua resident Peter Hunt withBrent Condon.a snapper caught on a softbaitDESIGN at The Aldermen Islands whichBlockstart will soon be a no fish zonewww.blockstart.co.nzunder the recently passedPUBLISHER Hauraki Gulf/Tkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill. Marlin Marketing Limited Mathew Hewetson 022 355 0588 M ost kiwi anglers in thepractices of tangata whenua. And lastly,mathew@marlinmarketing.co.nzAucklandCoromandelSeafloor protection areas (SPAs) protect region knew it wasthe habitats on the seabed, but they coming, and in earlyallow for activities that dont damage Fishing In Godzone is subject October parliament passedthem, such as non-bottom fishing. to copyright in its entirety.the Hauraki Gulf/Tkapa MoanaAll three forms of protection shareThe contents may not be Marine Protection Bill into law. a common theme in restricting large- reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the written This new law has almost tripledscale seafloor disturbances from bottompermission of the publishers. All the protected area in the Haurakitrawling and dredging, large-scalecopy, photos or other material forwarded to the magazine Gulf and is now Godzones largestremoval of non-living material such aswill be assumed intended marine park at more than 1.2 millionsand, and dumping or discharge of waste. for publication unless clearly hectares and surrounds AucklandMost kiwi fishos would all agree tolabelled not for publication.Opinions expressed from such and the Coromandel peninsula. have better protection of the seafloorcontent are not necessarily It has extended protection for twoas for helping preserve ecosystems tothose of the publisher.existing marine reserves and addedsupport fish life and nursery habitats. ISSN 23821655another twelve high protection areasYet recreational anglers will now be shutfishingingodzone.co.nz(HPAs) and five seafloor protectionout from many popular fishing spots/fishingingodzoneareas to the marine park.However,such as The Aldermen Islands which it comes with compromises and withhave long attracted holiday makers to most restrictions impacting recreationalthe Coromandel region as a top fishing anglers, it is disappointing to put itdestination and important to businesses mildly, that some forms of commercialsuch as local charter boat operators.fishing will continue in some areas. Commercial interests seem to These new areas have been includedalways come out more favourably to add to the diversity of habitats underwith our Government, no matter protection, with fishing restricted towho is at the helm and with nearly around 18-20% of the gulf, but therea million keen anglers who can vote, is allowance for commercial ring-netyou would think they might look after fishing in high protection areas. our interests over a few companies This new legislation has three forms oflooking to export seafood for profit.protection, with marine reserves beingRemember to always check the complete no-take zones. High protectionforecast, take and wear your life jackets.areas (HPAs) allow for restorationMathew Hewetson Editor at largeactivities and provide for customary 6FISHING IN GODZONE MAGAZINE'