The Horizon polling, commissioned at the end of 2025, reveals that 78% of New Zealanders (representative of 3 million adults) want the ban in the high seas area - where New Zealand is the last country operating a bottom trawl fleet.

Juan Parada, an Oceans Campaigner at Greenpeace Aotearoa, says the new polling gives an undeniable mandate for action.

"There is no social license for the industrial fishing companies that profit from bulldozing ancient coral forests and wiping out fragile ecosystems." says Parada. "New Zealanders want politicians to stop dragging their feet and protect the oceans."

"Other nations, including those who take part in regional fisheries bodies in the South Pacific, have been advocating for stronger rules against bottom trawlers, but we see New Zealand consistently drag the chain. This polling shows how out of step our government has become with other nations and public sentiment."

The New Zealand government is heading to the 2026 commission meeting of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation, with an official position pushing to increase the amount of coral that can be caught before the area must be closed.

In response to questions on New Zealand’s SPRFMO position in Parliament last week, Prime Minister Luxon denied New Zealand was weakening the rules. Greenpeace and allies have written to Luxon asking that he withdraw New Zealand’s request for more coral destruction.

Other highlights of the Horizon poll included overwhelming support (79%) for a South Pacific ocean sanctuary - where all destructive activities are outlawed to allow for ecosystem recovery.

The Lord Howe Rise, South Tasman Sea region is being considered for one of the world’s first global ocean sanctuaries under the newly in force BBNJ agreement (Global Oceans Treaty.)

Last year the Australian government helped convene a science symposium looking at the environmental and cultural values of this area, helping to build the case for protection.

"What we’re seeing internationally, and here in New Zealand is that people want movement on ocean protection," says Parada.

"Everyone wants a thriving ocean. The polling shows that whether you vote NZ First, National, Labour, Greens, Te Pāti Māori - people want the oceans better protected now. Internationally we’re seeing nation states step up and try to move things forward."

Scientists recommend that at least 30% of the global oceans be put in fully protected sanctuaries to allow for recovery. Currently the amount of the global ocean in fully protected areas is less than 3%.

"The public understands the scale of the ocean crisis we face. They are ready for bold action to end bottom trawling and create the sanctuaries the ocean desperately needs. It’s time for the Government to listen to the people and act before it's too late."