New Zealand oceans governance: A safe harbour or a lee shore?

Abstract

In March 2000, New Zealand began the development of a national Oceans Policy which aimed to introduce a new policy framework aimed at ecosystem based, integrated oceans management. Integration across sectors (such as fishing, aquaculture, indigenous affairs) has proved difficult. The Oceans Policy was to be released in late 2003 but in July 2003 the policy development process ceased until an ongoing dispute between Maori and the Crown over title to coastal land and water was resolved. In November 2005 New Zealand’s Environment Minister announced that work on the oceans policy process had recommenced. This paper analyses developments in New Zealand oceans governance identifying the interaction between state, community and market as important influences that can help explain complexities of policy development, lack of sectoral integration and a change in policy direction.