Foil4TheGulf
World Ocean Day
World Ocean Day is on Sunday 8 June and this year we’ve got a whole month of activities lined up to celebrate.
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT?
There’s multiple ways you can get amongst the action, whether it is taking a dip at your local beach or lake, raising funds to support ocean restoration and protection projects or raising your voice to champion action for the ocean.
Jump in the moana anytime on or around the 21 June for the winter solstice. Share your #LiveOceanDip with us on social.
Help scale up ocean action by fundraising to support ocean restoration and protection projects. 100% of all donations will go directly to the projects.
Help us on our mission to create 1,000 postcards for the Hauraki Gulf, and together, we’ll spotlight why the Gulf deserves urgent protection.
Help Aotearoa have the best understood seashore in the world by contributing to the Marine Metre2 citizen science project.
Check out our Live Ocean Hub with project updates, stories, articles and other exciting ocean related content!
Key Dates
World Ocean Day is on Sunday 8 June and this year we’ve got a whole month of activities lined up for this global celebration to catalyze action for ocean and climate. Let’s get noisy to show how much we care!
5 JUN
World Environment Day
Public Event
8 JUN
World Ocean Day
Public Event
9-14 JUN
United Nations Ocean Conference
Nice, France
18 JUN
Postcards for the Gulf Submissions Close
Online
20 JUN
Matariki
Aotearoa
21 JUN
Live Ocean Winter Dip for the Winter Solstice
Worldwide
Create a digital postcard sharing what you love about the Gulf and why you want to see it restored for future generations. We’ll then share the collection with the MPs and decision-makers connected to the Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill to show how important it is to so many.
Frequently Asked Questions
About The Live Ocean Winter Dip
Who can get involved?
Everyone! Gather your friends and whānau and head down to your local beach to take a dip in the moana, on or around the winter solstice (Saturday 21 June).
Take a photo or video and share it with us by tagging @itsliveocean.
Where is it?
Your favourite swimming spot. If the beach is too far away, lakes and rivers are great too as they all reach the ocean eventually.
Why?
The Live Ocean Winter Dip has become an annual ritual and challenge for our ocean community, to get out and celebrate our love for the moana.
About The Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill
What is the Hauraki Gulf / Tikapa Moana Marine Protection Bill?
This Bill is a bold step to restore the health of the Hauraki Gulf, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most ecologically significant marine areas. It proposes:
- Expanding two existing marine reserves;
- Creating 12 High Protection Areas (HPAs) to fully protect key ecosystems; and
- Establishing five Seafloor Protection Areas (SPAs) that protect the seabed from bottom trawling but allow fishing in the water column.
Why does Live Ocean support it?
Because the Gulf is in crisis. Overfishing, pollution, and invasive species have decimated its marine life. Live Ocean believes the Bill is a long-overdue chance to reverse this decline and secure a thriving Gulf for future generations – balancing conservation, culture, recreation, and commerce.
Contrary to some claims, this Bill is not anti-fishing. It’s pro-fish and pro-future.
What makes the Gulf so special?
The Hauraki Gulf is a biodiversity hotspot and cultural treasure, supporting fisheries, tourism, and the well-being of over 2 million New Zealanders. It’s valued at over $5 billion annually. But right now, it’s nearing ecological collapse.
Isn’t the Gulf already protected?
Barely. Just 0.4% is currently protected—far below the international target of 30% by 2030. The Bill would raise meaningful protection to around 6%, with spillover benefits across the entire marine area.
Will it stop people from fishing?
No. 93.7% of the Gulf will remain open to fishing. The Bill closes a few small but vital areas so fish populations can recover and flourish. Marine protection is proven to increase fish size and numbers – benefiting everyone in the long run.
What about commercial fishing?
Only 6% of the commercial snapper catch comes from areas that will be HPAs. Most fishing can continue – just without destructive methods like bottom trawling in sensitive areas. Healthier ecosystems mean more sustainable yields over time.
What’s the issue with proposed amendments?
Proposed changes to the Bill would allow commercial fishing in two HPAs – undermining their purpose and effectiveness. A Highly Protected Area can’t be truly protected if it’s still being commercially fished. Live Ocean urges Parliament to reconsider.
Why does the Bill allow customary fishing?
Customary fishing honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and recognises mana whenua as kaitiaki. It’s sustainable, respectful, and a cornerstone of Māori culture and marine stewardship.
Do people support the Bill?
Yes. The Live Ocean Barometer shows that 92% of New Zealanders want better ocean protection, including 67% of recreational fishers. Over 15,000 submissions have supported the Bill. The public is ready – Parliament must act.
What’s the holdup?
Despite strong cross-party support and a successful second reading, the Bill has stalled. Meanwhile, the Gulf’s condition worsens every day. This is urgent. We can’t afford to wait.
Where can I find more information on the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill?
You can check out more information about the Bill and its progress here.
About The UN OCean Conference
What is the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3)?
The third United Nations Ocean Conference, hosted by the governments of France and Costa Rica is being held in Nice, France from the 9-13 June.
UNOC gathers the who’s who of the climate, ocean and policy communities including governments, policy makers, international NGO’s, celebrities and Heads of State. There’s many events and side events, allowing people to share ideas, experiences, perspectives + knowledge across borders.
What’s the theme?
The overarching theme of this conference is “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”.
It will seek to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14), with three main priorities, to produce an ambitious Nice Ocean Action Plan:
- Working towards completion of multilateral processes linked to the ocean
- Mobilizing finance resources for the SDG14 and supporting the development of a sustainable blue economy
- Strengthen and better disseminate knowledge linked to marine sciences to enhance policy-making
Why is it important?
UNOC25 falls at the midway point in the Ocean Decade. This is a critical opportunity to talk about how the world can accelerate and scale up science + innovation to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)#14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
What are SDGs?
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were set-up in 2015 by the United Nations. There’s 17 interlinked global goals which are designed to be a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
This UNOC is focussed on SDG 14 – Life Below Water:
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
What outcomes can we expect?
Countries will use this opportunity to make policy commitments & announcements. The decisions and agreements made across the week will determine how the world moves forward in the fight against climate change.
How is Live Ocean involved?
Live Ocean will be represented at UNOC3 by our founders Peter Burling and Blair Tuke who have been invited to speak at and attend a number of UNOC3 side events.
How can I stay in the loop?
Stay up to date with our regular updates live from UNOC on social @itsliveocean and for more detailed insights subscribe to our newsletter
Watch the UN livestream via the link in our bio
