Background
Te Awarua o Porirua – Porirua Harbour is the largest estuary in the lower North Island and a taonga of immense cultural, ecological, and community value. Over many decades, the harbour and its catchment have been under pressure from urban growth, sedimentation, pollutants, and the loss of natural habitats.
To address these challenges, Te Wai Ora o Parirua – Porirua Harbour Accord was signed on Waitangi Day, February 2025 by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira (on behalf of Ngāti Toa Rangatira), Greater Wellington, Porirua City Council, Wellington City Council, and Wellington Water. The Accord is a shared vision and commitment to restore and protect the mauri (life force) and long-term health of the harbour and catchment.
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Published 01 Oct 2025
Te Wai Ora o Parirua | Porirua Harbour Accord
Where things are now
Following the signing of the Accord, the partner organisations established the Accord Coordination Group, led by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira. The group has been working together to develop a long-term Accord Action Plan, which will guide collective restoration efforts.
In 2025, a series of workshops brought together subject matter experts, community voices, industry, and Accord partners to focus on key issues such as:
- Reducing sediment entering the harbour
- Preventing and managing pollutants and contaminants
- Restoring and protecting natural habitats.
These workshops have built on earlier mahi, including the Porirua Harbour Strategy, Whāitua Implementation Programme, Ngāti Toa Rangatira Statement, and the Porirua Harbour Summit. Each workshop has refined and prioritised actions to ensure efforts are both effective and achievable.
Looking ahead
The final Accord Action Plan is expected to be completed in March–April 2026 (subject to approvals). Once in place, it will:
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Provide a clear, prioritised pathway for restoration
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Strengthen collaboration across Accord partners and the wider community
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Unlock greater opportunities for funding and resourcing of mahi
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Ensure that mātauranga (knowledge) and values of Ngāti Toa Rangatira remain central to decision-making
The Accord is not just a plan on paper. It is a commitment to working together to restore Te Awarua o Porirua – Porirua Harbour for generations to come.
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Published 01 Oct 2025
Te Wai Ora o Parirua | Porirua Harbour Accord
Get in touch
- Phone:
- 0800 496 734
- Email:
- info@gw.govt.nz