What’s At Stake?

For generations, the people of Tauranga Moana have lived in close relationship with this harbour – navigating its waters, gathering kai, swimming, fishing and trading. Te Awanui is part of our shared story.

Today, the harbour is also a place of recreation and connection for the wider community. Fishing, sailing, rowing, paddling, jet-skiing and simply being by the water have created treasured memories for thousands of residents and visitors.

But these experiences – and the harbour’s health – are at risk from modification, degradation and large-scale industrial pressure, this time in the form Port wharf expansion, dredging and dumping.

Te Awanui is a taonga central to the identity of Tauranga Moana. For mana whenua – Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Pūkenga – it is woven into whakapapa. For everyone, it holds cultural, environmental and recreational value that must be safeguarded.

Protecting its mauri and ecological integrity is essential. It’s not just about managing the place – it’s about managing ourselves for the moana’s wellbeing.