Ian McLean Spokesperson for the Green Party

The Rena has delivered a small number of key benefits. One was the community response, unprecedented in the history of such disasters globally, and reflecting the Kiwi connection with the sea.

Another was the serendipitous arrival of a new marine reserve (mataitai) on our shores. The marine wildlife of Astrolabe Reef has now been protected for a year, and while details are scanty, there is no question that fish populations have benefitted from the reduced fishing pressure.

Fishing folk are champing at the bit to get back out there, and who can blame them. But this is also an opportunity to grab the long-term benefits of protection.

It is an established fact that removing fishing pressure creates havens for marine wildlife, and delivers wider benefits to the fishing and tourism industries.

Astrolabe should be given permanent protection from exploitation, not as a monument to human failure, but as a symbol of its success in uniting our community.

Ian McLean is a spokesperson for the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand.