Te Awarua o Porirua

About the Harbour Accord

Te Wai Ora o Parirua – Porirua Harbour Accord is a partnership between Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Greater Wellington, Porirua City Council, Wellington City Council and Tiaki Wai.

Together, we're working alongside communities, mana whenua, landowners, environmental groups and stakeholders to restore the health and mauri of Te Awarua o Porirua.

Our shared focus is to:

  • Reduce sediment entering our streams and harbour.

  • Prevent pollution and improve water quality.

  • Restore wetlands, streams, shorelines and natural habitats.

  • Work together to create a healthier harbour for future generations.

The Accord recognises that lasting change can only be achieved through collaboration, shared responsibility and collective action.

Learn more

Community Environment Fund

The Te Awarua o Porirua Community Environment Fund supports community groups, schools and rōpū kaitiaki to protect and restore our harbour, streams and surrounding environment.

Whether you're planting native trees, restoring streams, enhancing biodiversity or leading community action, we want to support your mahi.

If your project is located within the Te Awarua o Porirua catchment and surrounding area, (from Johnsonville to Pukerua Bay and inland from Pāuatahanui) we encourage you to apply.

Applications close 13 September 2026.

Apply now

Action Plan

Our new Action Plan is currently in progress and will be released soon!

Developed with our Accord partners, communities, environment groups, scientists and stakeholders, the Action Plan identifies the priority actions that will guide our collective efforts to reduce sediment and pollution, restore natural habitats, and improve the health of Te Awarua o Porirua.

View the action plan summary, or click the button bellow for the full plan.

Learn more

Our vision

Ko te ora me te mauri o Te Awarua o Porirua ka whakahokia, ā, ko ōna wai ka noho hauora, ka toitū mō ngā reanga kei te heke mai, me te hunga e noho ana, e mahi ana, e tākaro ana, e hono ana rānei ki te whanga.

The health and mauri of Te Awarua o Porirua is restored, its waters are healthy and sustainable for future generations and for those who live, work, play or connect with the harbour.

How you can help

Everyone has a role to play in improving the health of Te Awarua o Porirua. Here’s some top tips that you can put into action now.

  • Join a stream or harbour clean-up, planting day or local restoration group. You can find some here, and keep an eye on the Porirua City Council Facebook page ‍

  • Native plants help reduce erosion, filter rainwater and provide habitat for birds and insects.

  • Wind can blow your rubbish onto the street, into gutters and the stormwater network which empties into our streams and harbour. Make sure the lids are secure at all times, and pick up any loose rubbish in and around your gutters. Find out more.

  • Rats and mice prey on our native wildlife and damage native plants. By setting traps around your property, you can help protect these precious taonga. Get in touch with Predator Free Porirua for more information.

  • Pet waste contains bacteria that can pollute waterways.

  • Composting is a cheap way to keep your plants healthy and keeps more out of landfill. Find out how to compost here.

  • Saving water reduces pressure on our water infrastructure, reducing the risk of flooding, and helps you save money!

  • When it rains, water washes off hard surfaces like concrete a lot quicker than if it went into soil. This creates a fast rush of water that goes into our gutters and stormwater system, causing overflows and flooding.

  • Fix oil and other car fluid leaks promptly so they don't wash into stormwater drains.

  • Never pour cleaning products, paint or other chemicals down street drains. And was cars on grass or at a car wash facility.

Together, our collective actions can make a lasting difference.

News and events

Stay connected with the Harbour Accord

Sign up to receive updates about our progress, funding opportunities, community mahi and events, restoration projects and more. Join our mailing list!

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Contact us

Have a question or want to learn more about the Accord? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at porirua.harbouraccord@ngatitoa.iwi.nz.

Proud partners