Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP

How would the Bay of Plenty region feel if a shark cage was placed four nautical miles off the coast of the Mount for cage diving? Four nautical miles – or 7.4km – the distance from Tauranga to Mount Maunganui.

This is the issue I faced first-hand when two-thirds of the Stewart Island population showed up at three extended meetings to discuss it.

The turnout – concerned over the tourism drawcard – is the equivalent of about 80,000 people showing up in Tauranga.

It's unlikely Tauranga would allow this – the city's size and protests would put a halt to it.

Stewart Islanders did voice their concerns over the act and made submissions to Parliament. However, they say none of them were taken up.

Island residents have seen a noticeable change in shark's behaviour since the act has been allowed.

Previously, sharks were aloof and shy – they're now bold, without fear, showing up around recreational fishers, divers and boaties with multiple reports of close encounters.

New Zealand First is asking for the Government to show a little common sense and undertake a comprehensive study at Stewart Island, taking into consideration the safety and impact on Stewart Islanders – starting with a two-year moratorium solely on Stewart Island.

According to scientists, the sharks' behaviour off Stewart Island is different from other parts of the world.

New Zealand First suggests scientific research undertaken around South Africa, Australia and other parts of the world is therefore not completely valid and we should be undertaking our own research – taking into consideration shark wellbeing and that of the local population and island visitors.

In the last 10 years the culture has changed on Stewart Island. Once a community which embraced the water and everything it offers – both recreationally and commercially – it's become fearful, or at the very least much more cautious.

The local school cancelled kayaking, canoeing and ocean safety days in the harbour of Half Moon Bay.

If nothing is done it'll result in a fatality. Again, would residents of Mount Maunganui – Raglan, Coromandel etc allow the Government to get away with this?

We suggest they wouldn't – it's because Stewart Island residents are so remote and the Government cannot hear the collective voice of the 360-strong population asking for a rethought.