Businesses based on the catchments of the Manukau Harbour have received practical advice on how to be more harbour friendly in their everyday business practices, thanks to the Flagship Business Series hosted by the Manukau Harbour Forum.
Four events were held, with 120 attendees enjoying a behind the scene tour of interesting businesses in the area with well-developed environmental programmes.
The businesses included Auckland Airport, Harley-Davidson, Villa Maria, and Owens Logistics.
“Stormwater contamination is a key challenge for the harbour,” says Manukau Harbour Forum Chairperson Jill Naysmith. “There are simple steps that businesses can take to minimise the contaminants and pollution that they send down the drains.
"It was great to see small businesses and people that weren’t aware of the impact they have on our harbour, picking up technical tips and proven ideas from businesses already doing it.”
Other topics covered at the events included saving energy, reducing water use, and minimising waste to landfill. Guest speakers included the fire service, and chemical specialists.
The Manukau Harbour Forum is a committee of representatives from the nine local boards that border the Manukau Harbour: Franklin, Papakura, Manurewa, Ōtara-Papatoetoe, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki, Puketāpapa, Whau, and Waitākere Ranges.
The Manukau Harbour is the second largest harbour in New Zealand. It is home to a wide range of marine life, including Maui dolphins, and hosts up to 50,000 birds including Arctic migrants and the threatened New Zealand dotterel. The Forum’s vision is to see the Manukau Harbour restored to health and wellbeing.
To be alerted when upcoming Flagship Business events are being held, email the Manukau Harbour Forum or sign up to receive the Forum’s newsletter, the Manukau Harbour Messenger.
