A new exhibition at Mercury Bay Museum in Whitianga explores the challenges facing the Hauraki Gulf and the work underway to restore its marine environment.
The Living Gulf: From Threats to Recovery highlights the importance of marine biosecurity, pest surveillance and marine protected areas in safeguarding the Gulf's diverse marine life and habitats.
Covering more than 1.2 million hectares, the Hauraki Gulf is home to kelp forests, shellfish beds, seagrass meadows, marine mammals and internationally significant seabird populations. But increasing pressures from both land and sea have contributed to a decline in its environmental health.
The exhibition also shares some encouraging signs of recovery, including growing numbers of kōura (crayfish) and tāmure (snapper) in some protected areas, which are helping kelp forests regenerate.
Through information displays, video, an interactive touchscreen and marine biosecurity specimens, visitors can learn about the threats facing the Gulf, the work being done to address them, and the practical steps everyone can take to help protect this special environment.
The family-friendly exhibition runs from 5 September to 5 December 2026 at Mercury Bay Museum, 11A The Esplanade, Whitianga.
Find out more about The Living Gulf exhibition