Māui and Hector’s dolphin’s submission delivered

Supporters gathered on the Parliament House lawn to hear from esteemed speakers including actor Robyn Malcolm, dolphin expert Professor Liz Slooten from Otago University and the Minister for Conservation, Hon Eugenie Sage.

A big thank you to the 16,000 people from New Zealand, Australia and the United States who added their name to our submission, calling for the protection of these iconic dolphin’s out to 100 metres deep or 20 nautical miles offshore.

“Thousands of people have now spoken in favour of protecting Māui and Hector’s dolphins, strengthening the Plan currently on the table.”

“New Zealand is the only country in which Māui and Hector’s dolphins are found. They are our responsibility and we need to act now to protect them.” – Christine Rose, Campaign Advisor, World Animal Protection

Earlier this month, 65 national and international organisations signed an open letter to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern calling for Māui and Hector’s dolphins to be better protected in the draft Threat Management Plan. 

According to recent findings from research firm Market Economics, protection of these dolphins could see the total revenue from dolphin eco-tourism grow from $21.8 million per annum in 2020 to $81.1 million per annum by 2039. Genuine protection of Māui and Hector’s will also improve the reputation of New Zealand as an environmental steward, with positive benefits for “Brand New Zealand”.

The delivery of this important submission to the draft plan puts us one step closer to saving our iconic “kiwi of the sea”. Thank you for helping make it happen.

Download Submission

“Thousands of people have now spoken in favour of protecting Māui and Hector’s dolphins, strengthening the Plan currently on the table.– Christine Rose, Campaign Advisor, World Animal Protection