From vision to action: partners launch landmark harbour restoration plan for Te Awarua o Porirua

MEDIA RELEASE - 14 August 2026

A major milestone has been reached in the restoration of Te Awarua o Porirua (Porirua Harbour), with the completion and release of the Te Awarua o Porirua Action Plan.

Developed by the five Te Wai Ora o Parirua – Porirua Harbour Accord partners, the Action Plan turns a shared vision into coordinated action to restore the health and mauri of one of Aotearoa’s most significant harbour systems.

The Plan sets out 20 priority actions across four key areas:

·       reducing sediment,

·       improving water quality,

·       restoring habitats, and

·       strengthening community connection and stewardship.

The milestone follows months of collaboration between Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Greater Wellington, Porirua City Council, Wellington City Council and Tiaki Wai, alongside environmental experts, community organisations, restoration groups and local stakeholders.

Grounded in an iwi-led Mauri Ora framework, the Plan recognises that restoring the harbour requires a catchment-wide approach, from the mountains to the sea.

But the partners say the next stage is just as important as the Plan itself.

Restoring Te Awarua o Porirua cannot be achieved by organisations alone. Success will depend on the ongoing efforts of landowners, businesses, community groups, volunteers, schools and residents across the catchment – from Johnsonville to Pukerua Bay and inland from Pāuatahanui.

The Harbour Accord partners are now calling on the community to help shape the harbour’s next chapter by supporting and participating in local restoration efforts, caring for waterways, reducing pollution and getting involved in projects that improve the health of the harbour.

The commitment to action is already underway. While the Plan was being developed, Harbour Accord partners increased funding for the Te Awarua o Porirua Community Environment Fund, helping expand support for community-led restoration projects throughout the catchment. The Fund is now open and closes on 13 September.

The release of the Action Plan marks the transition from planning to delivery, with the partner organisations already integrating the priority actions into their work programmes.

“I felt so grateful (and emotional) reading the Harbour Action Plan’s comprehensive historical, current, and future-oriented content and want to sincerely thank everyone involved in its research, development, and writing… e rere ana te mihi nui me te aroha o te iwi nei ki a koutou katoa!” Helmut Modlik, CEO, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira.

ENDS

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