Celebrating Our Harbour Champions: 2025 Award Recipients
At this year’s Manukau Harbour Symposium, we proudly recognised outstanding individuals and groups through the Ngā Tohu o te Manukau – Celebrating Harbour Champions Awards.
These awards honour those who have made significant contributions to protecting and restoring the mauri of Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa, the Manukau Harbour. From community-led planting initiatives to long-standing advocacy, each recipient has shown dedication to the harbour and its future.
Restoration in Action
Tohu Tiaki Taiao – Restoration (Group) Award
Recipient: The CREST
For over six years, The CREST (Coastal Restoration for Endangered Shorebirds Trust) has been working along the southern shore of the Manukau Harbour to restore shellbank ecosystems and support endangered birdlife, particularly the dotterel. Their efforts combine predator control, habitat restoration, and community outreach. CREST thrives on collaboration and has built lasting partnerships to achieve meaningful ecological outcomes.
The CREST
"CREST has built powerful partnerships and made a real difference to the coastal ecology of the harbour."
Leading Together
Tohu Mahitahi – Collaboration Award
Recipient: Te Korowai o Papatūānuku
(A partnership project of Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua and Āwhitu Landcare)
Since 2020, Te Korowai o Papatūānuku has led a bold, community-based effort to restore the ecological and cultural health of the Āwhitu Peninsula. More than 300,000 native plants have been established through the collaboration of mana whenua, landcare groups, funders, and volunteers. This project is a model for how restoration can be strengthened when guided by tikanga Māori and shared responsibility.
Te Korowai o Papatūānuku
"This kaupapa shows what’s possible when community and culture lead the way in ecological restoration."
Individual Leadership
Tohu Whai Wāhi – Individual Award
Recipient: Siobhan O’Grady
In 2021, Siobhan launched the Papakura Stream Restoration Project. Since then, over 125,000 native trees have been planted along the 63-kilometre waterway. Her ability to mobilise volunteers, businesses, and community groups has transformed the stream and reconnected people with this important tributary of the Manukau Harbour.
Siobhan O’Grady
"A true visionary who’s rallying people and resources to return life to the awa."
Tohu Whai Wāhi – Individual Award
Recipient: Paul Arthur
Paul founded The CREST and has dedicated himself to protecting dotterels and their habitats. He leads predator control efforts, protects nests, and encourages others to participate in local conservation. His leadership is hands-on, deeply committed, and has had a direct impact on bird populations and community engagement.
Paul Arthur
"Paul leads with heart and action – a true kaitiaki for our coastal taonga."
Highly Commended
Manukau Harbour Restoration Society
Since 2007, the Society has consistently advocated for the health of the harbour. They have pushed for improvements to wastewater management, promoted community awareness, and held public agencies to account. Their vision is for a clean, thriving harbour that is safe for people and wildlife alike.
Kathy Nielson
Kathy’s six years of work with Friends of Wairaki Stream has included leading plantings, stream clean-ups, and engaging schools and local groups. Her dedication extends beyond a single project—she embodies the spirit of community-led environmental care.
Row Robinson
A long-time leader with Pest Free Wattle Downs, Row has spent 16 years restoring the peninsula. His efforts include seed collection, planting, and using innovative pest control techniques—even deep within mangroves. His work has led to a noticeable increase in native birdlife and vegetation.
Acknowledging Community Leadership
Each of these recipients represents a unique aspect of the movement to restore and protect the Manukau Harbour. Whether through direct action, collaboration, or long-term advocacy, their mahi uplifts the collective effort to return the harbour to good health.
Ngā mihi nui to all our champions – and to the many others continuing to care for our harbour.
