Marine Reserves

Below: Marine Reserves $2.00 Clown nudibranch stamp, $3.30 Red coral stamp, $4.00 Sea sponge stamp, $4.60

Biscuit star stamp; Close-up of Asterodiscides truncates (Vincent Zintzen)

Facing page: Cape RodneyOkakari Point Marine Reserve; Creatures and bryozoan thickets in the new marine protected areas near Timaru and the Catlins (University of Otago); Kelp forest and pigfish

Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine environment is 15 times larger than its land mass. Along with the privilege of such a large and bountiful ocean surrounding us comes the responsibility to look after it.

There are currently 44 marine reserves in New Zealand's territorial waters, but they cover less than 1% of our ocean. In the future, and with the support of New Zealanders, the number of reserves will be expanded, and together with other forms of protection will form a conservation network that protects the full spectrum of marine species in our waters.

The Marine Reserves stamps offer a tantalising snapshot of some of the many charismatic creatures that call our marine reserves home.

A close look

Aotearoa New Zealand's waters are home to a diverse range of wildlifesome of which is stunningly beautiful. Commonly known as the firebrick seastar, Asterodiscides truncates is a starfish found in northern New Zealand.

Reserves are very successful marine conservation tools and provide many direct and indirect benefits. By protecting all components of a marine ecosystem (even sand, rocks and empty shells), marine reserves allow habitats and marine life to return to a more natural state, offering a glimpse of the potential abundance and beauty of our oceans.

Marine Reserves was issued on 7 Februrary 2024. Stamps and first day covers will remain on sale until 6 February 2025.

Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve

Created in 1975, the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (also known as Goat Island or the Leigh Marine Reserve) was Aotearoa New Zealand’s first marine reserve and remains a flagbearer for successful marine conservation. The reserve protects a representative area of sea and shore on the northeastern coast near Leigh, about 90 minutes’ drive north of Auckland. There are plans for the reserve to be nearly tripled in size as part of the new Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana marine protections. Due to its protected status and long-term support from the local community, the reserve provides a vibrant example of a natural, relatively intact marine environment.

At Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve you’ll find an amazing array of marine life. There are distinct habitat zones, including seaweed gardens, coralline turf/bare rock flats, kelp forests, sponge gardens and deep reefs, each with its own assortment of marine creatures, from easily spottable nudibranchs and triplefins in the rock pools to crayfish, moray eels and shoals of fish that can be seen in the shallows and deeper waters.

New marine reserves

In October 2023 the New Zealand Government announced that six new marine reserves would be created between Timaru and the Catlins. Kāi Tahu, who are the kaitiaki (guardians) of this area, will manage the marine reserves in partnership with the Department of Conservation.

These will be the first marine reserves in the southeastern South Island. They will protect diverse habitats including estuarine and tidal lagoons, rocky reefs, offshore canyons, giant kelp forests and deepwater bryozoan or lace coral thickets and an array of marine life.

Brittle stars, squat lobster, kōura, shrimps, crabs, sponges, sea squirts and reef fish like blue moki and trumpeter are just some of the many marine species found here. This spectacular coastline is also home to some of our most endangered animals like the hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin, toroa/ northern royal albatross and rāpoka/New Zealand sea lion.

Kelp Forests

Kelp forest is the most diverse biological habitat in Aotearoa New Zealand, home to hundreds of species of animals and plants. Dozens of species from bryozoans to millions of little red algae, amphipods, isopods, copepods, and who knows how many gastropods, are all tucked in there.

Kelp forests draw in carbon dioxide and play an important role in combating ocean acidification and climate change. They also buffer the coast from wave action, helping to prevent erosion. Two main forms of kelp are seen in New Zealand. Rimurimu (Macrocystis pyrifera), otherwise known as giant kelp or bladder kelp, is one of the fastest-growing organisms on Earth, capable of adding an astonishing 60 centimetres a day and reaching lengths of 45 metres.

Rimurapa, or bull kelp, refers to any of New Zealand’s four species of Durvillaea, the thick, leathery stuff that swirls and surges on rocky shores like mermaids' hair. Technically, rimurapa are not kelps, but fucoid brown algae. However, they create a similar habitat to rimurimu so play the same ecosystem-engineering role. Together, these species power entire food chains.