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A new strategy, Revitalise Manukau Harbour, will set a course for a healthier, thriving Manukau Harbour, Auckland Council expects.
Adopted by Auckland Council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee, the strategy sets a long-term direction to strengthen biodiversity, improve water quality and build resilience to climate change.
“The Manukau Harbour is one of Auckland’s greatest natural taonga, deeply valued by communities, mana whenua and all those who care for its future,” says Auckland mayor, Wayne Brown.
“I am passionate about Auckland’s harbours and the work Sea Cleaners have done in cleaning out the creeks that feed into our harbours. While progress has been made, the Manukau Harbour continues to face significant environmental pressures that require a coordinated and sustained response.”
Sea Cleaners is a non-profit organisation tasked with cleaning up waterways.
Partnerships will be needed, Brown says. “We cannot achieve this alone. By working together with mana whenua, communities, businesses, government agencies and environmental organisations, we can make meaningful progress towards restoring the harbour’s health and mauri (life force), protecting biodiversity and improving outcomes for future generations.”
Concerns about sedimentation, nutrient enrichment, habitat loss, microplastics, marine pests and changing climate will be addressed.
The strategy is grounded in scientific evidence, community priorities and mātauranga Māori through engagement with mana whenua, council principal analyst Georgina Hart adds.
“The latest Manukau Harbour state of environment report shows that some parts of the harbour remain healthy and resilient, but there are also areas where sediment, nutrients and habitat degradation continue to affect environmental health. The strategy identifies where the council can have the greatest influence and sets priorities for long-term action,” she adds.
“Importantly, it also recognises that council cannot restore the harbour by itself. Success will depend on working closely with mana whenua, communities, businesses, landowners, government agencies and environmental partners across the catchment.”
See ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more.
