[2] Forest and Bird carried out exploratory dives in the Akaroa Harbour in 1990.

[3] Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson declined the application for the reserve in 2010 on the grounds that it would adversely affect recreation fishing.

In terms of actual numbers the two separate consultation processes for the application had attracted more support than opposition.

[4] In April 2013 Conservation Minister Nick Smith announced the approval of the reserve but at the reduced size of 475 ha.

The size was reduced to take into account the concerns about customary and recreational fishing.