New Zealand's iconic species gain 5 new reserves

New Zealand will establish five new marine reserves along the Otago coast, home to the endangered yellow-eyed penguin and the equally iconic New Zealand sea lion and albatross.

The reserves, coming into effect on July 1, will offer protection to habitats such as giant kelp forests, rocky reefs, offshore canyons and deepwater coral communities, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said on Tuesday.

Their establishment adds about 308 square kilometers to the archipelago's southeast marine protection network, according to a government statement, increasing marine reserve coverage around mainland New Zealand by almost 50%.

"Protecting these areas gives marine ecosystems the opportunity to recover, strengthens resilience, and supports the long-term health of our oceans," the minister said.

The initiative followed more than a decade of consultations and was developed in partnership with Kai Tahu, the local Maori tribe of the South Island, Potaka added.

New Zealand's Department of Conservation and Kai Tahu will jointly monitor and manage the reserves. A sixth reserve is also under consideration.