The Tiri Tiri Matangi
Reserve Action Group
PO Box 600
Whangaparaoa
Ph 09 427-9989
Email

10th February 2003

The Environmental Coordinator
New Zealand Underwater Association Inc
Po Box 875
Auckland

RE: Proposed Reserve Tiri Tiri Matangi Island / Whangaparaoa Peninsular

Dear Sir

I am writing to you on behalf of the Tiri Tiri Matangi Reserve Action Group.

We welcomed you presentation to our group recently at the Hibiscus Coast Boating Club and found it to be informative. We do however have serious concerns relating to the current proposal and wish you to seriously explore either abandonment of your current proposal or at the very least an extension of two months.

We find the timing of this non-statutory process over the Christmas period has seriously jeopardised the ability of the local residents and user groups from the Auckland region to fully debate the issues surrounding placement of yet another marine reserve in our local waters.

You will find that the people of Rodney have been generous in supporting Marine Reserves in the past however without a fully consultative and strategic approach for the entire Auckland region we believe this support from the Rodney public will quickly turn to animosity.

We understand you have received a similar letter from IWI representatives who support a similar strategic regional approach. We urge you to consider this matter seriously lest the support you so earnestly seek is lost.

We will be copying this correspondence to the Department of Conservation regional office with the view to having an “Auckland Regional Marine Reserve Strategy” developed in conjunction with representatives of all interested parties.

We look forward to your support in a visionary approach to Marine Reserve planning.

Yours faithfully

M T Baker

Martin Baker
TTM/RAG