Cleaner waterways, healthier habitats and a stronger connection to nature are at the heart of the Tāmaki Estuary Restoration Programme, supported by the Howick Local Board and delivered by the Ōtara Waterways and Lake Trust and Tāmaki Estuary Waterways Collective.
Stretching around 17 kilometres, the Tāmaki Estuary is one of Auckland’s largest urban estuaries, providing important habitat for native wildlife and recreation for the local community.
Howick Local Board chair Bruce Kendall says protecting theestuary is an investment in the future.
“Protecting our waterways is about creating a healthier environment for our communities today and for future generations. By supporting restoration work and partnering with organisations like the Ōtara Waterways and Lake Trust, we can help ensure the Tāmaki Estuary continue to improve and can thrive.”
This year, the local board is backing restoration with $296,000 for the Ōtara Waterways and Lake Trust and $30,000 for the Tāmaki Estuary Waterways Collective, supporting cleaner waterways, restoration and stronger community connections.
Kendall adds: “The programme is helping restore an important part of our local environment through native planting, weed control, pest plant management and preparing new areas for future restoration. These efforts help improve the health of the estuary, support native wildlife and create a more resilient natural environment for the community to enjoy.”
The Ōtara Waterways and Lake Trust work alongside the community to care for local waterways, bringing people together through restoration activities and volunteer opportunities.
Their mahi helps build pride in local natural spaces while improving biodiversity and the long-term health of the area’s waterways.
The programme is already delivering results, with successful native plant establishment, ongoing maintenance and growing community participation. While dry winter conditions have influenced planting schedules, timing planting carefully gives new plants the best chance to survive and thrive.