A $5 million injection from the Ministry for the Environment will support the Mahurangi East Land Restoration Programme (MELR) to reduce sediment in the Mahurangi River catchment over the next five years.

Auckland Council and Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust have signed a relationship agreement to design and deliver the project in partnership.

Addressing the sediment problem will enhance the health of the waterways, improve water quality and encourage native wildlife to thrive.

The Mahurangi catchment comprises 206.6km of rivers and streams that discharge out into the Hauraki Gulf. Sediment is ranked the third highest threat to marine habitats in New Zealand and around 21,000 tonnes of sediment is lost every year from our area.

Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust are delighted to partner with Auckland Council to restore and protect the Mahurangi Harbour and are committed to developing sustainable solutions with the community to ensure positive outcomes for future generations.

Healthy Water's general manager, Craig Mcilroy believes it is an important step forward for the Mahurangi plan. “Partnering with Ngāti Manuhiri on this programme will ensure equal decision making and more effective collaboration with iwi, key to improving water quality in the catchment."

That include the fencing of waterways, riparian plantings and wetland conservation and development.