Te Wai Ora o Parirua

About the Porirua 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.

Click on the image to read the Porirua Harbour Accord, or watch the video by clicking below to learn more about the harbour and why the Harbour Accord exists.

Watch video

Te Awarua o Porirua Catchment

Te Awarua o Porirua (Porirua Harbour) is the largest estuary in the lower North Island and has the highest proportion of subtidal habitat of any estuary in Aotearoa. Surrounded by a mix of urban, rural and semi-rural landscapes, the harbour has over 275km of streams that flow into its two arms – Parumoana and Pāuatahanui. The catchment crosses into the Porirua and Wellington City Council districts – from Johnsonville to Pukerua Bay and inland from Pāuatahanui and the surrounding area.

Action Plan

Developed by the Accord partners, community, 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 below 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 event, planting day or local restoration group. You can find some groups here, and keep an eye on the Porirua City Council Facebook page‍ for events.
Native plants help reduce erosion, filter rainwater and provide habitat for birds and insects. Visit PCC’s Sievers Grove Nursery to purchase locally grown plants and access expert advice.
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. Make sure you pick it up and put it in a bin – it’s better for our waterways, and it means no one has to step around (or into) your dog’s poo.
Composting is a cheap way to keep your plants healthy and keeps more out of landfill. Find out how to compost here.
Fixing leaks can reduce water loss and contamination. If you suspect a leak, or a cross connection where a waste water pipe goes into a storm water pipe (and then straight into a stream), contact Tiaki Wai or your council.
Saving water reduces pressure on our water infrastructure, reducing the risk of flooding. Consider installing a rainwater tank to collect and store water for your garden, or to have on hand in an emergency or during a drought. Learn more
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. Learn more
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 or your down pipes from your house. These drains go straight into our streams and harbour. And wash cars on grass or at a car wash facility.