7 Mar 2018

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A management plan designed to protect and improve Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour has been launched at Rāpaki Marae.

The plan, Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour was put together by the Council, Environment Canterbury, Lyttelton Port Company, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, and Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke in consultation with harbour communities.

The five partners made a commitment as part of the 2015 Lyttelton Port Recovery Plan 2015 to work together to protect and restore the ecological and cultural health of the harbour.

At today's launch, a korowai made of the feathers representing the kaitiaki (guardian) for each band in the plan was wrapped around the document signifying its importance and the commitment made by the partners and community to fulfil the vision.

The plan, with the korowai, will move around the five partner organisations as a reminder of the commitment they have made.

"The korowai is a cloak of protection that we wrap around something that we consider to be a taonga/treasure something that needs the highest protection,” says Chair of the Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour governance group Yvette Couch-Lewis.

"When we have a healthy harbour that is abundant with mahinga kai we can sustainably harvest to provide kai for the table, make mokihi (raupo) create cloaks for whanau, then the korowai is no longer needed, it has done its job."

Lyttelton Port Company chief executive Peter Davie says the launch of Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour is an exciting milestone in the plan’s long-term vision coming to fruition.

“We are proud to be working together with our partners and the community to ensure the health of the harbour for the future as we meet the requirements of both commercial port users and the recreational users of the harbour.

“This coordinated approach will help support community aspirations so the harbour is maintained and protected for future generations to enjoy.”

Deputy Mayor and Banks Peninsula Councillor Andrew Turner says Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour is an excellent example of partnership in action. 

“It is clear the partners and the community share the same focus and direction, and that’s thanks to the leadership and inclusive approach of Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke.

"The end result is a plan that will restore the ecological and cultural health of Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupō, and this is not just visionary – it provides practical actions that everyone can be involved in.”