Election 2026: Act promises to introduce new fisheries management area in Hauraki Gulf
The Act Party in New Zealand has announced a new policy platform focused on fisheries management, including stricter penalties for rule-breaking and a permanent ban on scallop-dredging in vulnerable areas. The party aims to establish a distinct management zone within the Hauraki Gulf to help depleted stocks recover.
Why it matters
This policy proposal highlights ongoing political debates regarding environmental conservation versus recreational and commercial access to marine resources.
Act leader David Seymour (right), pictured during a previous media stand-up with fellow Act MP Cameron Luxton in Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The Act Party will campaign on introducing harsher penalties for breaching fisheries rules and introduce new limits for certain shellfish to protect rock pools.
The party is also promising to permanently ban scallop-dredging in areas that are under pressure and establish a “distinct fisheries management area” inside the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
Act’s conservation spokesman Cameron Luxton said the policy would protect ocean resources while “preserving the freedom to use it”.
“That means rebuilding fisheries where they are depleted, protecting vulnerable habitats from genuine damage and replacing blunt restrictions with rules focused on actual risks,” he said.
“We live in a bloody paradise and we need to look after it.”
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