Our three interconnected workstreams
Case studies
Resources
Te Whanganui-a-Orotū case study
This study explores estuary management practices in New Zealand, focusing on the Te Whanganui-a-Orotū and the engagement with Mana Ahuriri for ecosystem revitalisation.
Context and relevance of the estuary case study
The Te Whanganui-a-Orotū Estuary Case Study, conducted by the Ministry for the Environment in partnership with the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge, provides an analysis of the complex dynamic ecosystem of estuaries in New Zealand. Estuaries, as transition zones where freshwater meets saltwater, are of significant ecological, cultural, and recreational value. The case study focuses on the collaboration for ecosystem-based management (EBM), designed to manage the marine environment in a holistic way that balances use and protection. Initial engagement with communities, Mana Ahuriri, local councils, and stakeholders identified the shared values and concerns about the estuary, primarily the decline in water quality and biodiversity.
Analysis of current use and pressures on Te Whanganui-a-Orotū
Te Whanganui-a-Orotū/Ahuriri Estuary is a vital natural habitat, culturally and spiritually significant to Mana Ahuriri, and of high ecological value including being a habitat for birds and marine life. The estuary, now surrounded by Napier's urban environment, has seen considerable alteration due to historical events and human activity, with the health of the estuary being compromised by sediment, contaminants, and nutrient influx. Issues such as industrial pollution and changing land use practices continue to cause challenges. This context underscores the estuary's current status, its use for recreational and educational purposes, and the community's aspiration to reconnect with the natural world.
Conclusions, challenges, and future recommendations
The case study outlines the diverse pressures on the estuary, from historical to modern times, and the effects on its overall health and use. Mana Ahuriri holds a significant role in the stewardship of the estuary, with a focus on restoring its ecological and cultural vitality. Coordination and guidance for estuary management highlight the need for inclusive and joint efforts among councils, communities, and iwi. The 'toolbox' provided by Sustainable Seas offers an assortment of tools for participatory processes, monitoring, management, mapping, and modelling, aimed at supporting the estuary's restoration. The case study recommends ongoing engagement, improvement of management practices, and the establishment of clear frameworks that integrate freshwater and coastal policy to ensure the estuary's resilience.
Key insights
Estuaries embody significant ecological and cultural value
Estuaries act as critical ecosystems where freshwater meets saltwater, with their health being an indicator of broader environmental quality. In the case of Te Whanganui-a-Orotū, this natural treasure is imbued with significant cultural worth for Mana Ahuriri, and the community's identity and heritage. The estuary's declining health due to various pressures necessitates a dual focus on restoring ecological integrity and preserving cultural significance.
Collaborative management strategies are crucial for estuary health
The case study emphasises participatory and informed decision-making as key to managing estuarine health. Tools and data, compiled in a 'toolbox', facilitate a collective approach among local councils, indigenous groups, and communities, ensuring management practices encapsulate local values, scientific understanding, and ecosystem-based principles. This collaborative strategy is crucial for the sustained recovery and resilience of estuarine environments.
Integration of policies for freshwater and coastal systems is needed
Current legislative frameworks in New Zealand fall short in addressing estuary-specific needs due to a division between freshwater and coastal policies. This study advocates for an integrated approach in policy-making that bridges these gaps. It highlights that a cohesive framework is vital for effective estuary management, underpinning strategies that are flexible yet robust enough to handle the nuanced challenges estuarine ecosystems face.
Related research documents:
Title and summary
Topics covered
Knowledge guiding change.
© Copyright 2024 - Tohorā
© Copyright 2024 - Tohorā
Knowledge guiding change.
