Aroha for the Harbour: Highlights from the 2025 Manukau Harbour Symposium

2 Jun

Attendees at the 2025 Manukau Harbour Symposium (photography: Ruthie Stoffels Photography)

The 2025 Manukau Harbour Symposium, held on Saturday 31 May in Green Bay, was a powerful and hopeful gathering of people united in their care for Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa. Hosted by the Manukau Harbour Forum, the full-day event brought together over 30 speakers representing iwi, scientists, rangatahi, community leaders, artists, conservationists and council representatives – each sharing their knowledge, challenges, and aspirations for the harbour’s future.

From the outset, the tone was one of shared purpose and aroha for this precious taonga. The kōrero was honest, forward-looking, and deeply rooted in place.

Opening the Day with Purpose and Heart

The day began with a whakatau from Tyler Taua-Gordon (Te Kawerau ā Maki), followed by reflections from Jon Turner, Chair of the Manukau Harbour Forum. Turner reminded us of the cultural and ecological value of the harbour and the need to see it as the “gateway to Tāmaki Makaurau” – one that must be cared for and restored for future generations.

Acclaimed creative strategist Cassie Roma delivered a moving keynote on the power of storytelling, connection and shifting narratives to build cultures of care. Her invitation for communities to “open hearts and minds” to the natural world grounded the rest of the day’s discussions in empathy, action, and hope.

Rangatahi and Intergenerational Wisdom

One of the highlights of the day was hearing from the Rangatahi Environmental Action Leaders (REAL), a flagship programme supported by the Manukau Harbour Forum. Over 50 students from 14 schools across the harbour are involved in REAL, which fosters leadership, mātauranga Māori, and environmental stewardship. Their presence and energy on the day was uplifting – a strong signal that the future of kaitiakitanga is in good hands.

Throughout the symposium, intergenerational panels featured voices who brought a range of perspectives:

Felix Shaw (Green Bay High School)
Anna McNaughton (Awhitu Coastcare)
Simon Marshall (Coastguard NZ)
Sharleen McClay (Pest Free South Auckland)
James Papali’i (Portage Crossing Trust)
Matt Bloxham (Auckland Council Freshwater Ecologist)
Christine Rose (Māui and Hector’s Dolphin Defenders)

Their kōrero wove together lived experience, on-the-ground action, and community resilience.

Insights from Experts and Scientists

A range of expert presenters offered powerful insights on the environmental, cultural, and systemic issues affecting the Manukau Harbour. These included:

Dr Peter Nuttall, Scientific Advisor for the Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport, speaking on climate change impacts in the Pacific and implications for coastal communities.
Charmaine Bailie (Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara), regenerative ecologist and 2022 NZ Environmental Hero of the Year, who spoke on the healing of whenua through indigenous-led restoration and the work she has done within Te Whakaoranga mo te Puhinui and Maangere Ngahere projects.
Dr Rashi Parker (BirdCare Aotearoa), who highlighted the challenges of human activity on seabirds and how BirdCare Aotearoa is helping to save those vulnerable manu.
Johnnie Freeland (Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua), who brought a mana whenua and systems-level perspective on whakapapa-centred design, regenerative practice, and the interconnectedness of awa and moana through the lens of Te Whakaoranga mo te Puhinui project.

A special session with Auckland Council and Watercare featured Councillor Richard Hills, Dr Megan Carbines, Georgina Hart, Chris Allen, and Leanna Birch, offering a transparent overview of current monitoring and state of the environment, with updates on infrastructure planning, environmental strategy, and Auckland Council’s commitments to the harbour’s health.

Ngā Tohu o te Manukau – Celebrating Harbour Champions

A key moment of the day was the presentation of the Ngā Tohu o te Manukau – Celebrating Harbour Champions Awards, recognising individuals and groups going above and beyond to restore and protect the harbour:

Award Recipients:

Tohu Tiaki Taiao – Restoration (Group): The CREST
Tohu Mahitahi – Collaboration: Te Korowai o Papatūānuku
Tohu Whai Wāhi – Individual: Siobhan O’Grady
Tohu Whai Wāhi – Individual: Paul Arthur
Highly Acclaimed: Manukau Harbour Restoration Society, Row Robinson, and Kathy Nielson

Their stories moved many in the audience and reminded us that sustained, community-led action all contributes to uplifting the wellbeing of the harbour.

Shared Energy and Collective Purpose

Beyond the presentations, the symposium was a space to connect. Exhibitor stalls from Watercare, the Auckland Council Marine Biosecurity team, BirdCare Aotearoa, EcoMatters, Pest Free South Auckland and others gave attendees a chance to learn about active projects and join in the kaupapa.

“Everyone working around the Harbour knows that there is a great deal of work to do,” said Jon Turner, “but today left myself and others feeling inspired and hopeful. It was a conversation across generations and disciplines, with many of the speakers laying down a wero to the audience.”

The closing remarks and karakia from Kay Thomas (Whau Local Board) offered a grounding end to a day full of insight, challenge and potential.

Stay Connected – Videos Coming Soon

🎥 Missed the event or want to rewatch a speaker?
Videos from the day will be uploaded soon to this website’s video stream and YouTube channel.

📲 Follow us on Facebook or opt into our email updates to get notified when they go live, and to stay up to date with events, and harbour news.

📝 We’d love your feedback!
Please take a few moments to complete our post-event survey – your input will help us shape future symposiums.