Growing Together: 2026 Native Plant Supply Update
This year, the Manukau Harbour Forum was proud to supply just under 2,000 native plants grown by Makaurau Marae Nursery to community-led restoration projects across our catchment. While a modest contribution, every plant represents another step forward in the collective mahi to restore the health, water quality, and biodiversity of the Manukau.
Here is a look at where this year’s plants went and the incredible efforts of local volunteers, groups, and rangatahi making a difference on the ground:
1. Old School Reserve with the REAL Team
We supported a planting at Māngere Old School Reserve within their stream (the upper reaches of Te Ararata Stream), alongside the Rangatahi Environmental Action Leaders (REAL) team. Bringing young leaders together to put native trees into the ground, and connecting them with the kaupapa of the teaching gardens.
2. Papakura Stream Halo Project with the Beautification Trust
Along the banks of the Papakura Stream, the Beautification Trust hosted their first-ever planting event for the Halo project using plants supplied by the Forum and Makaurau Marae.
Despite a short-notice date change, 14 volunteers turned out and successfully planted native plants along the stream bank before gathering for shared kai.
““We had great weather, the feedback from the volunteers was great, and we had some shared kai afterwards to celebrate... all [the plants] are still in and none have been removed by pukeko or flood waters. We are super thankful to the Manukau Harbour Forum and Makaurau Marae for these wonderful plants... The plants will do wonders for the bank stability, the water quality, and the native habitat at this site.””
3. Restoration on Te Motu a Hiaroa
Native plants were also provided to support restoration along the coastal edges of Te Motu a Hiaroa (Puketutu Island), helping to stabilize the shoreline, enhance habitat, and restore the natural coastal margins of the harbour.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Planting Season Opportunities
Preparations are officially underway for the upcoming 2026 planting season as part of the Manukau Harbour Forum work programme!
We have ordered more plants with Makaurau Marae Nursery, with species carefully selected to align with the local ecological districts of the Manukau catchment, featuring a tailored mix of awa (freshwater/stream) and coastal-appropriate species.
Expression of Interest for Community Groups
We are reaching out to local community groups, catchment collectives, and restoration initiatives who are actively undertaking restoration or stewardship mahi within the Manukau Harbour catchment.
We are looking to support a small number of groups with plant supply for the 2026 season.
Who should apply: Community-led initiatives, stream groups, marae, and local environmental collectives working within the Manukau Harbour catchment.
What is provided: Eco-sourced native plants suitable for stream margins, wetlands, or coastal restoration sites.
If your group is planning a planting day for the 2026 season and could benefit from plant support, please get in touch with our team to express your interest! kiaora@manukauharbour.co.nz
