Expectation increased marine protections for the Hauraki Gulf will make a big difference

A Bill passed its third reading last night, increasing the North Island marine area's protections 20-fold - from 0.3 percent to six.

It also includes 12 new high-protection areas, stretching 800 square kilometres.

Live Ocean Foundation's Blair Tuke says it's a huge milestone.

He says having a tool box of ways to protect large areas of the ocean, is the best thing they can do.