Kaipara District Council is establishing a new working group to actively advocate for the health and functionality of Mangawhai Harbour and its tributaries.

The Mangawhai Harbour opens to the Pacific Ocean on the eastern side of the district and is sheltered by a large distal sandspit. It is a significant contributor to the area’s recreational, cultural, lifestyle and commercial appeal, and is a major reason people choose to live, work, play and invest in Mangawhai. But it’s a dynamic environment, and vulnerable to changes that can affect both the harbour’s health and the benefits it provides to the community.

Kaipara District Council Mayor Jonathan Larsen says the future of Mangawhai relies on maintaining a healthy, functional harbour.

“I am old enough to remember back in the 70s when the sandspit was breached by various storms including Cyclone Bola, and the northern end of the sandspit became a stagnant smelly mess.

“I attended the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Big Dig last Saturday, celebrating the brave Mangawhai Rebels and the phenomenal work they did to reopen the harbour and get the water flowing again.

“A huge amount of work has been undertaken since then by the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society and other groups who continue to care for the harbour.

“Now, with changing conditions and new pressures, we’re seeing more mangroves, more sediment, and shallower channels.

“It’s time to look to the future and ensure the harbour is healthy and functional for future generations. That is why I have initiated the formation of this working group. We need key stakeholders working together to protect and support the harbour, and this new group will make that happen.”

Local independent RMA commissioner Mark Farnsworth will chair the group and Councillor Craig Jepson will represent Kaipara District Council. Other stakeholders invited to form the group include the chair of the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society, as well as a representative from Northland Regional Council, Mangawhai Matters, the Department of Conservation, and Te Uri o Hau.

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