Source: Auckland Council
Aroha for the Manukau Harbour was on display at the highly successful 2025 Manukau Harbour Symposium, hosted by the Manukau Harbour Forum in Green Bay over Kings Birthday weekend.
More than 30 speakers – from rangatahi to specialist experts, mana whenua, scientists, conservation advocates, volunteers, Watercare and Auckland Council staff and elected members – updated the convention on their mahi and shared their stories of hope for the harbour’s future.
Jon Turner, Chair of the Manukau Harbour Forum said there was so much knowledge and experience, both on the stage and in the room.
“Everyone working around the harbour knows there is a great deal of work to do, but today left myself and others feeling inspired and hopeful.
“It was a conversation across generations and disciplines, with many of the speakers laying down a wero (challenge) to the audience.”
The day included the presentation of the new Ngā Tohu o te Manukau – Celebrating Harbour Champions Awards.
Seven recipients received awards:
- Tohu Tiaki Taiao – Restoration (Group) Award: The CREST
- Tohu Mahitahi – Collaboration Award: Te Korowai o Papatūānuku – a partnership project of Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua and Āwhitu Landcare
- Tohu Whai Wāhi – Individual Awards : Siobhan O’Grady and Paul Arthur
- Highly Acclaimed: Manukau Harbour Restoration Society, Row Robinson and Kathy Nielson.
A range of community groups hosted information booths about their projects, along with Watercare and Auckland Council’s Marine Biosecurity team.
The Symposium is supported by the Manukau Harbour Forum, a joint committee formed by the nine local boards of Auckland Council that surround the harbour. It advocates for better resourcing and a stronger focus on this taonga.
