Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour and its surrounding bays are treasured by many different people, including mana whenua Ngāti Wheke, residents and visitors. The harbour was once known for its great abundance of kaimoana, but pollution, deforestation, sediment run-off, and climate change have impacted the whenua/land and the moana/harbour. However, a massive amount of community mahi is helping to turn the tide.
Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour is a partnership programme that supports the harbour community to restore the ecological and cultural health of Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour, with a vision to ensure the area’s ecological and cultural health as mahinga kai is restored mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us.
Established in 2018, the co-governance programme is a partnership between Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour communities and Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury), Christchurch City Council, and the Lyttelton Port Company.
It starts with the plan
At the heart of the programme is the Catchment Management Plan, which envisions Whakaraupō as a thriving mahinga kai – a place where people can gather food in abundance and in harmony with nature.
The primary goals of the plan are to restore the harbour to an environment that is abundant, healthy, and interconnected. This includes ensuring an abundance of native species, restoring waterways to thriving ecosystems, and fostering a community that is deeply connected to and proud of its harbour.
The plan outlines actions across six ecological focus areas:
- rocky outcrops and indigenous forests,
- streams,
- hills and lowlands,
- wetlands and saltmarsh,
- taihua/foreshore,
- and the harbour itself.
These actions will help turn the vision of a healthy harbour – te whaka ora – into reality.
Yvette Couch-Lewis on the vision and restoration
Co-chair Yvette Couch-Lewis (Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke) was instrumental in developing the plan. Seven years later, Yvette says the importance of the korowai (both literal and symbolic) enveloping the plan is still front of mind for her.
“The korowai symbolises the protection of Whakaraupō. Until the restoration mahi is done, the harbour wears a kakahu/working cloak. When we achieve our vision, the harbour will be wrapped in the korowai – a chief’s cloak – in its flourishing state. Only through partnership and dedication can we achieve this for our moana and our whenua – for the beauty and mana of the korowai to be upheld.”
The korowai was woven by Ngāti Wheke weavers and has been wrapped around the ceremonial copy of the plan signed by the five partners.
“We have big aspirations; we want to see the return of forests, and taonga species like titi/muttonbird. I have a lot of hope that we will see these goals met, thanks to the dedicated harbour communities that put in the mahi by planting trees and delivering other important projects”
Co-chair Yvette Couch-Lewis (Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke)
Partnerships are key
The Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour collaboration agreement between the five partner organisations is an exemplar for catchment management. Working together to facilitate community-driven action on the ground, there are also strong partner-led actions that are aligned with the plan and make use of existing projects and relationships held by each of the individual partners, to ensure there is no duplication and resources are being effectively distributed.
Through the needs of the Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour plan, research organisations have been engaged to develop our understanding of the catchment and to improve our decision-making and the effectiveness of actions. Science and mātauranga advice and research are important components in delivering robust and strategic outcomes.
Communities in action
In addition to the five formal partners that co-govern the programme, there is also a community advisory group (CAG) with 14 members from various community and interest groups.
The CAG plays a vital role, ensuring that the plan is not only delivered but embraced by the community. The group is a key mechanism through which Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour draws upon the practical insight, lived experience, and local leadership of the Whakaraupō community.
Each member has been selected for their direct connection to the harbour’s landscapes, catchments, and delivery systems. They provide real-world advice on implementation feasibility and community expectations.
Important mahi underway
Since its inception, the Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour programme has made significant strides in ecological restoration, thanks to the individuals and communities that have contributed to many planting days, fencing projects and much more. Many projects are part-funded by the Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour programme, with contributions made from others as well. This collaborative, community-driven model underpins the values of the Whaka-Ora programme.
Restoring Pūrau
A heavily eroded coastal strip at the base of the Pūrau catchment has been the focus of coordinated restoration efforts involving landowners and multiple agencies.
Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour has co-funded this work alongside the Christchurch City Council.
The Diamond Harbour and Pūrau Reserves Committee has been instrumental, undertaking ongoing engagement with the landowner.
Stock has been excluded via strategic fencing, and extensive coastal and riparian planting has been undertaken to stabilise soils, reduce sedimentation, and create an enduring coastal habitat. Select water catchment margins have also been enhanced through riparian interventions.
This is a prime example of community/agency/landowner collaboration to accelerate ecological regeneration in Whakaraupō.
Tackling pests across Whakaraupō
The Whaka-Ora Biosecurity Prioritisation Strategy (2022) identified gaps where pest traps were needed around the harbour. The Whaka-Ora Pest Project (WOPP), delivered by Conservation Volunteers New Zealand, has met this need through coordinated pest animal control efforts across all coastal reserves in Whakaraupō. These areas were identified as high-risk zones for pest movement and biodiversity loss.
With support from Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour and Christchurch City Council, WOPP has deployed community-led trapping networks, hosted hui/meetings, and produced educational material, including pamphlets, signage, and a specialised tools and techniques guide for landscape-specific pest control.
This grassroots model has empowered communities to take ownership of local pest management efforts, making WOPP one of the most transformative biosecurity partnerships seen in the harbour to date.
Monitoring marine life: Dr Joyce Yager’s ‘sea hotel’ project
Marine scientist Dr Joyce Yager is leading a citizen science project placing suspended colonisation plates at jetties around Whakaraupō to study the settlement of invertebrates and marine life.
Popularly known as the ‘sea hotel’ project, this initiative is supported by Enviroschools.
With permissions secured from DOC and Christchurch City Council, and guidance from Environment Canterbury’s coastal team, the project is being trialled as a potential long-term marine monitoring tool with strong educational value.
Looking ahead
The Whaka-Ora programme continues to evolve, with ongoing projects and community engagement at its core. Future initiatives aim to scale up restoration efforts, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen community involvement even further.
Yvette says she and the other co-governors are excited for the next phase of the programme.
“Over the last seven years, the kakahu/foundational mahi has been laid. Now the programme is at an exciting transition point, where we’re looking at new horizons that can further enhance the work that has been done. We are ready to increase the capacity and scale of projects we support, and I can’t wait to see our Whakaraupō environment thrive as a result.”
Through sustained collaboration and commitment, the vision of a restored Whakaraupō as a vibrant mahinga kai is steadily becoming a reality for current and future generations.
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