Governance of Our Oceans an Aotearoa New Zealand perspective

Toitū te marae a Tāne Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata; if the land is well, and the sea is well, the people will thrive.

Abstract

This article investigates Aotearoa New Zealand’s ocean governance challenges against a backdrop of competing paradigms and proposes a pathway towards transformative, anticipatory marine stewardship. It is contended that a ‘relational paradigm’ to ocean
governance is essential given the interdependence of ocean health and human wellbeing. This relational paradigm is operationalised
through anticipatory governance, and underpinned by four foundational elements: long-term public value creation, adaptive management, multi-layered accountability, and alignment of ambition and execution. The article aims to catalyse public debate about how anticipatory governance can improve current ocean governance systems, while building foundations for deeper transformation when political conditions allow.