Return Of The Tide To Mangere Oxidation Ponds A Historic Milestone

The return of more than 200 hectares of the Manukau to tidal flow is a critical and historic step in restoring the health of the Manukau Harbour and the Mangere foreshore, Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says.

The seawall of two oxidation ponds of the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant is to be breached in a ceremony on May 17 as part of an upgrade by Watercare. The tide will return to the area occupied by the two ponds for the first time in more than 40 years.

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says the people of Manukau and greater Auckland will rejoice in the removal of the seawall and the planned restoration of Otuataua and Puketutu island coastline.

The breaching is part of Project Manukau, the aim of which is to restore the coastline to the environmental conditions found prior to pond construction in the 1960s.

“The oxidation ponds significantly changed the foreshores of the Manukau Harbour and destroyed traditional fishing and shellfishing grounds of local Maori.

“Sadly, promises made to iwi at the time were not honoured. Their lifestyle was affected substantially and for over forty years they have had to endure nauseous smells and swarms of midgies from the ponds. Fortunately, that will soon be a thing of the past.

“In time, the area will have a new character and become a haven for boating, fishing, shellfishing and other water activities. I congratulate Watercare Services on its progress to restore the harbour for all New Zealanders to enjoy,” Sir Barry said.

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