Harbour report and plan shows a strategic approach

Completion of a new dune and wetland system to provide additional habitat for birdlife was a highlight in the Annual Report 2016/17: Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour and Catchment Strategy and Action Plan.

Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour and Catchment Joint Committee’s report was released today and outlines key achievements and activities either started or completed in the past year.

Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour and Catchment Committee Chair Clr Anita Baker says the report expresses the combined commitment of key strategic partners to meet our vision of “A healthy harbour, waterways and catchment used and enjoyed by all”.

“The Harbour Committee, Porirua and Wellington City Councils, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, partner agencies and the community are committed to best outcomes for the harbour. While we have made great progress on a number of fronts, flood events, sedimentation and water quality continue to be challenges.”

Recent calls for “harbour dredging” have highlighted the concern and frustration of some residents that not enough is being done to deal with a shallowing of the harbour. The Harbour Committee has asked for a report on the process involved in determining any case for dredging the harbour. This report is due at the Committee’s November 2017 meeting.

This assessment and the upcoming Long-term Plan provide an opportunity for the Councils and community to consider the existing funding levels for Harbour Strategy activities.

Highlights for the year include:

• the review of Porirua’s District Plan to reflect the significance of the harbour to the community and as a strategic priority for the Council

• increased school participation in the ‘Drains to Harbour’ street drain labelling and education programme

• ongoing success of the Porirua Harbour Trust, Enviroschools and ‘Healthy Harbour Porirua’ school environmental education programmes

• progress of the Greater Wellington Regional Council Te Awarua-o-Porirua Whaitua Committee towards policy and rules governing freshwater quality and quantity in the harbour catchment

• completion of Stages 1 and 2 of the jointly funded Porirua Stream Mouth Estuary Enhancement Plan, including construction of an innovative dune/wetland system.

The report also outlines the harbour-related work plan for 2017/18 and highlights activity expectations for the year.

You can read the full report on our website: www.poriruacity.govt.nz (527KB pdf).

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