Auckland Council has adopted a new long-term strategy to help restore the health of Manukau Harbour, with a focus on cleaner water, thriving wildlife and a more resilient environment for future generations.
One of Tāmaki Makaurau's most significant natural treasures, the harbour is a place of deep cultural, environmental and community importance. But it continues to face challenges including sediment, pollution, habitat loss, marine pests and the impacts of climate change.
Mayor Wayne Brown says protecting and restoring the harbour is vital for Auckland's future.
"Like the Waitematā Harbour and the Kaipara Harbour, 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. I am passionate about all of Auckland's harbours and the work Sea Cleaners have done in cleaning out the creeks that feed into all of our harbours. While progress has been made, the Manukau Harbour continues to face significant environmental pressures that require a coordinated and sustained response.
"We know 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, protecting biodiversity and improving outcomes for future generations."
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At a glance The strategy aims to:
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The strategy provides a roadmap for how Auckland Council will prioritise its planning, investment, regulatory and partnership work to improve the harbour's health over time.
Councillor Richard Hills, chair of Auckland Council's Policy, Planning and Development Committee, says the strategy is an important step towards restoring one of Auckland's most significant natural environments.
"This strategy gives the Auckland Council Group a clear framework for how we can make the biggest difference for the Manukau Harbour. It brings together work already underway across the council and helps ensure our planning, infrastructure, regulatory and investment decisions are all supporting the same environmental outcomes.
"The challenges facing the harbour are complex, and improving its health will require us to be focused, coordinated and deliberate with our actions. By prioritising the areas where our influence can have the greatest impact, this strategy will help guide investment and strengthen collaboration across the council group – supporting better outcomes for water quality, biodiversity, climate resilience and community wellbeing over the long term."
Looking after the harbour starts on land
The strategy builds on a long-term vision adopted by Auckland Council in 2024.
The health of Manukau Harbour is closely connected to what happens across the wider catchment. Sediment, nutrients, rubbish and other pollutants can travel from the land through streams and waterways before reaching the harbour.
Auckland Council Principal Analyst Georgina Hart says the strategy takes a long-term, whole-of-catchment approach informed by science, community priorities and mātauranga Māori.
"The strategy recognises that the harbour is an interconnected, living system stretching from the land and waterways of its catchment through to the coastal environment.
"The latest Manukau Harbour state of environment synthesis 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.
"Importantly, it also recognises that Auckland 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."
The strategy recognises the strong links between activities on land and the health of the harbour, and reinforces Auckland Council's commitment to working alongside mana whenua and supporting their kaitiakitanga.
Work is now underway to identify priorities, resources and actions needed to deliver the strategy and track progress over time.