From the arrival of the first Mäori settlers in New Zealand after a long sea voyage to the modern era fishing fleets, the marine environment has played a key role in defining the cultural and economic development of our nation. New Zealand ’s marine environment is more than 20 times larger than its terrestrial landmass and includes coastal waters, territorial sea, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and extends out to the limit of the continental shelf. New Zealand ’s EEZ, at 200 nautical mile limits, is the fourth largest in the world. The absolute extent of the continental shelf over which New Zealand has jurisdiction is still being defined.
The marine environment is closely linked to New Zealand’s society and economy. New Zealand is a small island nation located in the South Pacific. Almost all of our imports and exports, both by value and volume, pass through the marine environment. The majority of oil and gas reserves are located offshore. New Zealand has a significant fishing industry, and for many New Zealanders the marine environment is a place of relaxation and recreation.
This account values the contribution of marine based industries to the New Zealand economy.