John Key, prime minister of New Zealand, made the announcement at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

According to The Guardian (UK), “The area is considered crucial in terms of biodiversity, featuring almost 35 species of whales and dolphins, 150 types of fish and three of the world’s seven sea turtle species”.

Labour warns legal challenges could be on the horizon over a lack of consultation on the new Kermadec ocean sanctuary, but the Environment Minister says stakeholders backed the project. The people of the country put highvalue on its oceans and coasts, which are essential culturally, economically and environmentally.

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