Tauranga Harbour our special place Te ora o te iwi

WorkingWorking together together to care to for care Tauranga for our Harbour harbour Kia ngatahi te tiaki i Te Awanui 1 Te Awanui – Nga ripo o te ora Tauranga Harbour – ripples of life

He aha ra tera e whakakarekare mai ra, Whatever is that creating ripples i a Te Awanui, Thanks to the many people on Te Awanui, who have helped bring this booklet to reality. If you’d like he matangi, he matangi, further copies, please call a breeze, a breeze, Environment Bay of Plenty on he matangi mariri ke 0800 ENV BOP (368 267). an especially gentle breeze Published March 2009 The imagery here is that each of the three resident iwi are symbolised as a gentle breeze (matangi mariri) which in poetic Maori minds acknowledges that their presence creates ripples (of life) on Cover photo: Pilot Bay Pier the harbour.

2 Te Awanui – Nga ripo o te ora Tauranga Harbour – ripples of life

Tauranga Harbour or Te Awanui is a Contents regional treasure. The sheltered waters Enjoying our harbour 4 Things to do on and around of the region’s harbours are a major Tauranga Harbour 5 Our harbour’s cultural heritage 7 attraction to many people. Working on our harbour 9 Living in our harbour 12 Locals and visitors alike enjoy fishing, Tauranga Harbour map 16 Pests 21 diving and swimming within Health of our harbour 22 Threats to our harbour 25 the clear waters. Caring for our harbour 26 Managing our harbour 28 A special place to live, work and play. Who does what? 30

3 ay Pilot B

Tauranga Harbour fast facts Enjoying our harbour

• Covers 218 square kilometres. Tauranga Harbour is the western Bay of • Has two entrances – at Plenty’s biggest playground. Mauao (Mt Maunganui) and Otawhiwhi (Bowentown). Tauranga Harbour is a special place and we all share a responsibility to protect and care for it. • Has two marinas with a total of 1050 berths. Environment Bay of Plenty is working with our communities to achieve that goal. • There are 10 Estuary Care groups working to One of New Zealand’s largest natural harbours, it is protect the harbour. home to the country’s biggest export port, the Port • There are 25 boat of Tauranga. Windsurfers and jet skiers seek action ramps. while yachts and launches cruise the harbour. • There are 380 swing moorings. Hundreds of people use the harbour everyday, for • There are 120,000 strolling along beaches, watching birds, unwinding people living in the with a spot of fishing, or burning off some energy Tauranga Harbour skiing or kite boarding. catchment. For many people, Tauranga Harbour is the reason why they live in the western Bay of Plenty. It offers so many recreational opportunities and they enjoy the sheer beauty of its sparkling blue waters.

Did you know?

The name Tauranga means landing place

4 Things to do on and around Tauranga Harbour

Here are some of our top tips for things to see and do

Watch the cruise ships Walk or run around come in the narrow harbour Waikareao Estuary enjoying entrance between Mauao the bird song as you go. and Matakana Island. Go fishing off the Bridge Sizzle up some sausages Marina breakwater or off the and enjoy a free barbeque rocks at the northern side of with your mates at Mauao. Fergusson Park or Take a walk along the Kauri Kulim Park. Point jetty north of Katikati. Explore the rock pools Have fish and chips at at the base of Mauao at Pilot Bay boat ramp while lowtide. watching the sailing boats. Climb to the summit of Wander along the Mauao or Bowentown Head waterfront at Omokoroa and watch the sunrise or Peninsula or enjoy the cliff- sunset. top walkway around the tip Enjoy an ice cream at of the Omokoroa Peninsula. Salisbury Wharf.

For more tips from locals and visitors on enjoying Tauranga Harbour look out for the top tips scattered throughout this booklet – they are marked with this starfish symbol.

There are lots of bush and coastal walks around our harbour. For more information visit: • www.wbopdc.govt.nz, keyword – walks; • www.tauranga.govt.nz, keyword – walks; • www.doc.govt.nz, keyword – Bay of Plenty walks.

5 PROFILE

A special place for all Colin Bidois Chairman of Te Runanganui o Tauranga Moana

Te Puna features heavily to collect kaimoana it is “The councils are very in the treasured childhood always good to check with conscious of the need to memories of Colin Bidois. the local hapu first,” do everything they can As a child he remembers he advised. to preserve the harbour walking out into the so it can be enjoyed by The impact of pollution harbour at Te Puna with a people recreationally and from incoming vessels on nail on the end of a stick continue to contribute pipi and mussel beds is a and spearing flounder. to the economy. Both concern for Maori. Colin pakeha and Maori people Fishing is still Colin’s explained that tangata alike recognise the need favourite activity whenua have initiated a to keep the harbour as particularly from the rahui (ban) on the taking healthy as possible for northern outlet of the of shellfish around Mauao human and economic harbour. He also likes because of concerns reasons,” he said. gathering kaimoana - pipi about the depletion of and mussels - from kaimoana there. “We must leave for our the harbour. future generations a good, Fortunately Colin believes clean, healthy, enjoyable “Each hapu has their the future of the harbour harbour,” he added. own special spots and is positive. has responsibility for these spots as part of their kaitiakitanga or “We must leave for our future generations a guardianship. If you want good, clean, healthy, enjoyable harbour.”

6 Mau ngatapu M arae, Wikitoria Street, Maungatapu

Our harbour’s cultural heritage

Tauranga Harbour is an area of significiant Maori and early European settlement. Tangata whenua history recounts the arrival of the Takitimu and Mataatua waka in the 12th Century, from which the iwi of Ngati Ranginui, Ngaiterangi, Ngati Pukenga and their associated hapu are descended. Hauraki iwi, from the Tainui waka, also claim an interest in the northern harbour catchment. A meaningful place Tauranga Harbour or Te Awanui is a physical and spiritual symbol of identity for all whanau, hapu and iwi living in the harbour catchment area. It was once the means of access and communication among the various whanau, hapu and iwi around its shores and still is the source of kaimoana. The connections Maori have with the harbour are based on the following philosophy:

Toi tu te moana (health of the sea); Toi tu te whenua (health of the land); and Toi tu te tangata (health of Maori people).

“If the ocean or our water is healthy and our land is healthy then mankind is healthy,” says Chairman of Te Runanganui o Tauranga Moana, Colin Bidois. Today there are 24 marae in and around Tauranga Moana. An Iwi Management Plan for the Te Awanui was completed by the three iwi of Tauranga Moana in 2008. This plan sets out tangata whenua issues for the harbour and recommends actions to be undertaken. The Iwi Management Plan can be viewed on Environment Bay of Plenty’s website www.envbop.govt.nz. 7 ‘Matangi’ was a ferry that in former times plied the harbour and is commemorated in a well known popular song, the lines of which says:

E rere ra te ‘Matangi’ Ki waho o Tauranga Kei reira ra koe e hine E arohatia nei e

Fly on the ‘Matangi’ From out of Tauranga For there is where dear maiden You are so dearly loved

This song is a well-known love song. The imagery here is that this object (a ferry) is a symbol of modern mankind’s contribution to the sustainable development of Tauranga as a working and useful harbour.

“Being out on the water and kayaking from the Harbourside near The Strand to Memorial Park and back is wonderful on a sunny day.” Andrea Lloyd, dog lover, Mt Maunganui.

8 Working on our Safe harbour Boating

Our harbour wardens checklist

The harbour wardens promote safe Tell someone where boating and keep local boaties and visitors you are going and informed of rules and regulations. They when you will return. are a great source of information and are Check the weather therefore ideal people to ask about local forecast. conditions, navigation safety rules, where to Life jackets of the find ski lanes, and other harbour safety tips. correct size for everyone on board. Harbour wardens carry an official warrant Distress signals – and they may fly the harbour warden flag flares, VHF radio, from their boat. cellphone and torch. First aid kit. If a harbour warden asks you to stop you must comply. Anchor with chain and enough rope. Spare fuel. Knife. Chart of area. Bailer, oars and boat hook.

It is also wise to pack the following, particularly outside the harbour limits: An emergency position indicator radio beacon – EPIRB Communications – VHF or SSB radio. For more information on the Navigation Safety bylaws for Tauranga harbour, visit www.envbop.govt.nz, keyword - Navigation Safety 9 HARBOUR VOLUNTEER

Helping out on the harbour Brian Rogers, volunteer harbour warden and Waterline editor

Harbour wardens are used to enjoy cruising up I would promise to love, the eyes and ears of the the channel in his little honour and limit my boat harbour masters. Brian yacht and anchoring in a collection to 24. Now I Rogers sees his role as spot sheltered from the have to sell one before I a harbour warden as sight of city lights and can get a new boat,” educating and informing houses. Now his family he said. harbour users, rather than home overlooks Te Puna Brian joked that non- policing. inlet so he gets to enjoy it boaties did not know what all the time. “I’ve been boating on the they were missing. harbour all of my life so As editor of Waterline “An hour kayaking after it’s a very special place and a volunteer harbour work is great therapy - to me and I want other warden, it’s not surprising you get fresh air, exercise people to enjoy it and stay that the harbour is the and it’s addictive,” he said. safe,” he said. focus of Brian’s life. He grew up here, went Brian’s top tip for safe boating with his dad and boating is simple - read granddad and even his “Going kayaking on the signs by all the boat marriage vows are linked ramps before entering the harbour after to his love of the water. the water. work is like therapy.” “When I got married Te Puna is Brian’s my wife Claire had it favourite spot on written into my vows that Tauranga Harbour. He 10 Port of Tauranga Our port fast facts

• On average, more The Port of Tauranga is New Zealand’s than seven million largest port by shipping volume. Its tonnes of exports and convenient location serves New Zealand’s five million tonnes of imports cross major population base and important the Port’s wharves export earning industries located in the annually. golden triangle, comprising of • More than 2000 ship the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and movements in and out Auckland regions. of the harbour occur every year. Exports of logs, forestry products, kiwifruit, • During the 2007/08 steel and dairy products are shipped all season 38 cruise over the world while imports include, oil ships visited the Port. products, fertiliser, grains, vehicles, palm This amount is likely to kernel, cement and coal. increase every year. • Port of Tauranga The Port of Tauranga funds two university has a “live” harbour research programmes which examine the conditions monitoring system on its website. effect of the Port’s activity on sea life in The system provides the Tauranga Harbour and surrounding real-time information waters. These studies are part of the on maximum Port’s continuing research programme wave height, wind direction and tides. and will provide valuable information Visit www.port- about how the Port’s operations can best tauranga.co.nz, be managed in harmony with harbour keyword- Harbour ecosystems into the future. Conditions

11 Living in our harbour

Our harbour is home to thousands of plants, shellfish, birds and fish. Some of these are part of our lifestyle. We enjoy collecting pipi, catching kahawai and watching the mohu-perereru or banded rail. To keep enjoying these things we need to work together to protect them so future generations can also enjoy them.

Fish

Estuaries play an important include the Sand and Yellow- role in the lives of many marine Bellied Flounder, Grey Mullet, and freshwater fish. Inanga (a and Snapper. whitebait species) spawn in autumn in the lower reaches Some of the common fish that can of rivers and estuaries. The be found in the harbour are: hatchlings drift out to sea to feed, • Yellow-eyed mullet and Grey returning after six months to live mullet; the rest of their adult lives in freshwater. Our native eels, the • Flounder, Parore, Snapper and short-finned and the long-finned Kahawai; eel, spend all their adult life in • Spotties and Herrings; freshwater, but travel thousands of kilometers to spawn in the • Bronze whaler shark; Pacific Ocean - the exact location • Short-tailed and Long tailed is not known but is thought to be stingrays near Tonga. • Trevally, Kingfish and Tarakihi; Many marine species also spawn, • Koheru, Jack mackerel and feed and shelter in New Zealand Piper; estuaries. Common commercial species found as juveniles and • Spotted stargazer, Triplefin adults in Tauranga Harbour species and Goby species.

12 Shellfish

The harbour is home to many Kids - see if you can spot some of different species of shellfish these species next time you are out including crabs, mussels and and about on the harbour and tick snails. They move nutrients and them off as you discover them. waste material between the sediment and the water column Common species that live within and are also an important source Tauranga Harbour are: of food for fish and birds. rMud whelk;

The health of the harbour’s rTitiko (mud snail); shellfish depends on the quality of the water. If there is more rHorn shells; sediment and nutrients in the rTuangi (cockle); water, this can affect how the shellfish eat and how quickly rMud crab; they can grow. Toxins within rPipi; the sediment can also can rScallop; and contaminate the shellfish. rMussel.

Top, Left to right: Crab, Scallops, Pipi Bottom: Mussels, Whelks, Tuangi (cockle)

“I like hunting for crabs and paddling at Fergusson Park.” Morgan Hatch, aged seven, amateur explorer, Welcome Bay.

13 Tanners Point jetty

Birdlife

There are a large number of birds Native birds are naturally found in that live in and around Tauranga New Zealand and are also found Harbour. At low-tide large flocks in other countries. Endemic birds of shorebirds are seen gathering are only found in New Zealand. on tidal flats to feed. Birds forage though seagrass beds and Notable resident birds in the tidal flats for invertebrates and Tauranga Harbour include: shellfish. Some birds wade or dive • Mohu-pereru – Banded rail; for small fish. • Matata – North Island fernbird; The harbour is home to resident • Puweto – Spotless crake; birds, as well as birds that migrate here and only live in • Matuku – Australasian bittern; the harbour for part of the year. and Some common migratory species • Koitareke – Marsh crake. include the Bar-tailed Godwit, the Lesser knot and the Pied Some of our harbour visitors oystercatcher. The common include: resident species include the New • Tuturiwhatu – Banded dotterel; Zealand kingfisher, White faced heron and Pied stilt. • Ngutu parore – Wrybill;

Tauranga Harbour is also home to • Kaki – Black stilt; some birds which are under threat • Kuaka – Bar tailed godwits. because their habitat is changing or has been destroyed.

“Explore Bowentown headland and domain, which is a great spot for archaeological sites, especially terraces.” Rebecca Harfield, heritage buff and visitor, Auckland.

14 Left to right, top to bottom: Banded dotterel, Little black shags and a Little shag, North Island fernbird, Bar-tailed godwit, Australasian bittern, Variable oystercatcher, New Zealand dotterel, Red-billed and Black- billed gulls.

15 Tauranga Harbour map 17 HARBOUR VOLUNTEER

Looking after our harbour Kirsty Walker, Estuary care volunteer

Kirsty Walker is an “The harbour is just so developing a reserve with inspirational volunteer. beautiful. It’s a source walkways, bird nesting She is an active member of pleasure to look at, to islands and native plants. of Te Puna Estuary get involved in - to fish, “It’s already a beautiful, Care Managers Group swim or kayak in. It’s peaceful spot and I’m and spends hours on the most lovely thing to excited about how it her weekends slopping look out and see the tide will look when we have through the mud, cutting changes because there is finished the restoration and clearing mangroves. something very soothing work,” she said. about water,” she said. It’s not glamorous work Kirsty has lived at but the results speak Kirsty admits she spends Plummers Point for four for themselves. The more time in the harbour years. However, she has group has made a than out. She and her heard stories from her huge difference to the husband Graham have an neighbours about the days restoration of the estuary old launch that they fish when the estuary was a for the benefit of the wider from. In summer Kirsty sandy beach where white community. The group enjoys kayaking and herons (kotuku) lived. won a Weedbusters jumping off the wharf at Award in 2008 for its Te Puna. “The land I can see from voluntary work restoring my window was originally One of her favourite spots the Te Puna Estuary. harbour board land and is the Jess Road wetland. was grazed paddocks. The sights, smells and It is here that the Te Puna Now it is a carpet of serenity of Tauranga Estuary Care Managers mangroves,” Kirsty said. Harbour are what make it Group are working on special to Kirsty.

18 Sea grass Sea lettuce

Sea grass or eel grass (Zostera Sea lettuce is a naturally capricorni), is a native flowering occurring green algae native to marine plant which typically grows New Zealand. on sandy or muddy inter-tidal areas of a harbour or estuary. Sea grass Nuisance blooms of sea lettuce beds stabilise the sea bed and can affect the way our harbour prevent erosion. They also provide looks as it accumulates along the food and shelter for estuarine shoreline. animals including juvenile fish The research Environment Bay and birds. of Plenty has done shows that Unfortunately sea grass beds are sea lettuce blooms in Tauranga declining in Tauranga Harbour Harbour are a natural event. due to the subdivision of land and These events are linked to the clearance of bush in the Tauranga El Nino weather pattern which Harbour catchment. These brings persistent westerly winds activities expose sediment (soil and that drive coastal water offshore. sand) and nutrients from fertilisers In these conditions nutrient-rich and effluent, which are then water from the deep ocean moves washed into streams and rivers by into shallower water (up-welling) rainfall and are then carried into the which then enters the estuaries. harbour. Higher levels result in the The natural increase in nutrients growth of algae which also block provided through up-welling is the amount of available light. the main cause of the blooms in Tauranga Harbour, See page 26 for ways you can help not pollution. keep the sea grass beds, and the harbour in general, healthy.

Environment Bay of Plenty has factsheets on both sea grass and sea lettuce as well as mangroves, biosecurity, sedimentation and the Recreation Strategy in Tauranga Harbour. Pick them up from one of our offices or visit our website www.envbop.govt.nz. EET FACTSH TAURANGA HARBOUR 6 Sedimentation SHEET TAURA TAURANGA HARBOUR FACT NGA HARBOUR FACTSHEET T FACTSHEE TAURANGA HARBOUR up or settling of sediment. Photo courtesy of NIWA is the build 4 entation Tauranga H 2 Sedim arb T 1 ou CTSHEE TAUR r R RBOUR FA WhatANGA isH sediment? l ecre TAURANGA HA Seagrass ARBOUR FACTSHEET Sediment can be smal ati sported by wind or water.and other material. on Sediment is soil tran Strategy lls, silt, mud, vegetation B particles of rock, she diment comes from a ios ea. e that 1000 times more se a lettuce 3 cu 5 han from a forested ar Se r It has been measured ms. it d land (eg. earthworks) t y ent will get into our strea bare patch of disturbe ver means more sedim Planning for recreation Pest Less vegetation co s in an d arou In 2006 Environment Bay of Plent nd th e Tauran Integrated Management Strateg y completed the Tauranga Harbour ngroves What is sea grass? gSedimenta Harbour runoff y. The strategy identified that not a lo a r, most of the harbour was known about recreation on M ver in Tauranga Harbou the harbour and there was little pla t eel grass (Zostera capricorni), is a native flowering ive vegetation. This co Are the blooms telling put in place to manage recreati Sea grass, or marine In the harbour Before humans settled us on, and many people agreed with thnning lonises sandy or muddy intertidal areas of a clothed in lush dense nat up deep layers of hum of the actions decided in the str marine plant which co ould catchments were intense rain, building of What is sea lettuce? us that something’s is. One d some coastal rocky platforms. Sea grass sh Vessels from all over the world ente ocess over thousands consequences and impacts of futureategy was for the Council to consid harbour or estuary an t grows protected the land from which looks similar bu bringing in imports such as oil and fer d absorb rainfall. This pr resources, and people’s acce population growth on the harbour’er the flowering plant found in estuaries around New Zealand. not be confused with freshwater eel grass, that helped the lan reams we see today. Sea lettuce is a naturally occurring green algae that is native to New wrong in the harbour? re a native r Tauranga Harbour every week landscape, soils and st ss to recreation on and around Tau s roves a nd is a pest plant. such as kiwifruit and logs. Unfor Around the harbour Zealand. It grows in sheets, and in Tauranga Harbour its large blooms Harbour. This resulted in the p Mang in rivers and lakes a tiliser, and taking out exports years developed the The research Environment Bay of roduction of the Tauranga Harbourranga The facts can also bring in marine pests – e can be a nuisance to people, water craft and structures and affect other Strategy which has been develo tunately these and other vessels Many pest plants Plenty has done shows that the sea ped to help get a better understand Recreation ships’ hulls, or in ballast water disch animals and plants. what’s happening and to plan • Mangroves are a native ither hitching a ride as “fouling” on area surrounding thand animals live in lettuce blooms in Tauranga Harbour for future needs in an integrated wa ing of Why are sea grass beds important? the strategy was developed by Enviro Where do mangroves grow? nd, Avicennia flowering plant There have been two recent arged into our coastal waters. Pest animals inclu e Tauranga Harbou Sea lettuces are collectively grouped under the category of Ulva species. are a natural event and are not the e with Tauranga City Council and Wnment Bay of Plenty in close consuly. The mangrove found in New Zeala wing They: marine pest identifications de: r. Ulva is a macrophyte algae which grows in sheets two cells thick usually result of pollution. • They play an important role in th Sea grass beds have high ecological value. • all manage aspects of Tauranga Haestern Bay of Plenty District Coun tation There is only one species of ecies is the most southerlyuth asgro Kawhia bour in Tauranga Harbour – the Possums, rats, m less than 30cm in length. ecology of the Tauranga Har and ustelids (ferrets, They match the El Nino weather rbour. cil, who marina or Manawa. The Manawald, found sp in estuaries as far so ast of the • stabilise the sea bed and prevent erosion, Asian date mussel ( stoats and weasels) The aim of the strategy is to ‘improve stal , cats, mice and Ulva is rich in compounds such as vitamin A and B. Early Maori used pattern, when persistent westerly Taurangamangrove species in the wor Ohiwa Harbour on the east co s fish and birds. senhousia Musculista Argentine ants. T recreational opportunities on Ta energy (calm) • Mangroves help reduce coa rtant • provide food and shelter for animals such a ) and the Asian kelp hese pests eat the completely edible sea lettuce in cooking. Sea lettuce are still eaten Harbour’. We want to make sure HarbourHarbour on the west coast, and (Undaria pinnatifida native plants and winds drive coastal water offshore. that: uranga nerally live in shallow and lows. erosion and provide an impo worldwide, including in New today in salads and stews around the world. Fish, such as parore, feed Unfortunately sea grass beds are declining ). food that native a birdlife or eat the What can you do? In these conditions the deeper • People can easily access the harbo North Island. Mangroves ge areas of estuaries or harbour habitat for some marine species xample of the rapid decline The Asian date mu river Zealand. Tauranga Harbour is a national e nimals live on. s you can do on sea lettuce. oceanic water up-wells, to replace ur inter-tidal (dry at low tide) s nt but (up to 3 cm) and brossel is small • Black swans that g • There are opportunities for a wide The spread of mangroves i opulations. Sea grass was previously abunda There are some thing the coastal water, bringing with it by estuary in sea grass bed p en wn to green raze sea grass ation in range of activities d loss within the whole harbour of 34% betwe in colour. It lives beds (however the to help reduce sediment nutrient rich water which then enters • The impacts of recreation on the currently being managed ng with has had an estimate r the in shallow se birds are bare soil astal me areas of the harbour lost nearly 70% ove and calm areas protected under th Tauranga Harbour. environment are minimised Why are mangroves important? care groups who are worki 1959 and 1996. So or of the harbour. e Wildlife Act and Why is it a problem? the estuaries. It’s this increase of role in the functioning of the co species ce with little land runoff Young date musse managed as game runoff when • Recreation is safe for everyone Environment Bay of Plenty. same period. Areas near the harbour entran Photo: Anne-Marie Schwarz NIWA • Minimise sediment nutrients that is the main cause of Mangroves play an important y ground for some juvenile fish ome to the smallest decline in tiny threads which als seep out Fish and Game N birds by Nuisance blooms of sea lettuce can affect the way our harbours influence from other catchments have shown Figure 1 Asian Date Mussel Z). ss, carrying out earthworks the blooms. The Tauranga Harbour Recreatio ecosystem, providing a nurser llow-eyed mullet. They’re also hangroves grains and join with tttach to sand been replaced with gra and estuaries look, and peoples use of the harbour for business n Strategy outlines a series of action seagrass abundance. Pest plant specie an areas Environment Bay of Plenty, Tau Tauranga such as short finned eel and ye fish, snails, crabs and algae. M below the surfacehard mat. These m hose from neighbou s in and around lush vegetation has now s resulted in erosion of Plant out any ripari and pleasure. s that rge and trap Sea grass roots grow Tauranga Harbour Much of this once all. • duce District Council want to achieve rangain City Council and Western Ba leaves of seafrom growing, su ats can prevent oth ring mussels to form res. Vegetation loss ha sponge to absorb rainf many native insects, birds, shellainst large waves and storm su ction from to anchor the plant. The salt-water paspalum,include:and Spartina,manmade structu rs, to trap sediment and re Wave action or tidal currents cause the sea lettuce to break off from the next 10 years. There are quitey ofa Plenty cm above the bed rviving for one or two er shellfish species a thick, us layer that acted as a actions proposed, some example can protect the shoreline ag sulting in more shoreline prote in harbours, grass extend around 10 somewhere else. plant, gorse, pamp morning glory, ice small streams and rive nutrient runoff s of these include: few Why is the number of sea grass beds surrounded by years before they and sea grass much of the deep hum id its growth beds and be washed ashore where it rots. The smell can and stabilise the sediment, re angroves can create problems at high tide when they are as, woolly nightshad runoff from the land into with in the past. Rap The facts • Create a recreation event zone on eaves lie flat on the die or drift to and wild ginger. The result is quicker Join a Care Group be offensive because of the high sulphur content of sea lettuce. Over erosion. However, too many m declining? water. At low tide the l These weeds can e n these waterways coped • the water next to The Strand and enjoyment of people. smother and repla giving higher flows tha esulting in more streamn void erosion summer months during some years, depending on wind and tides, Sea lettuce is a native algae • Establish a website focused on Tau Tauranga Harbour particularly for the access, use sea bed. Undaria, ce native plants or more erosive power, r • Mangrove seed in the water (suspended or Asian kelp, grows increase coastal se runoff and flows have ent being transported i • Retire steep land to a sea lettuce can be deposited on beach and foreshore areas in ranga Harbour The decline is linked to increased sediment on, and so more sedim practices • It can be eaten • Consider using web cams to moni ss needs to survive. Higher on rocky surfaces, shell beds the harbour by tra dimentation around large quantities. • The Tauranga Harbour covers cks out the light sea gra bank and bed erosi • Adopt good land use tor harbour bar crossings Mangrove roots sediment) which blo ine, and artificial structures like their roots. pping sediment with • Studies show its occurrence is a 218 square kilometres. Are mangroves spreading? ment, such the water column are also related to the decl our water ways. When the sea lettuce drifts around the harbour it can interfere with • Consider erecting public-use moo amounts of nutrients in nt wharves, marine farming natural event red rafts for recreational swimming in the Tauranga Harbour catchdiment sed algal growth which also reduces the amou fishing nets and lines. It can also affect commercial shipping at the Port diving use • Tauranga City lies to the as this causes increa ds is What can you do? equipment and boat hulls. • The abundance of sea lettuce in and Changing the way we use landland clearing, results in more se in our ther reasons why the number of sea grass be southeast of the harbour. of available light. O It grows very fast, forming of Tauranga, blocking cooling water intakes. It can also smother shellfish • Assess the need for further nig as increased subdivision and ls of nutrients such as nitrogenation in special care so: Case study - Possums Tauranga Harbour is monitored declining are: Sea grass beds need forests of up to 2 m in height. beds when it accumulates in large quantities during nuisance blooms. ht lighting at boat ramp • being deposited and higher leves caused the mangrove popul every two months • Investigate the reduction in she Tauranga Harbour is a hugely oint where m or driving and Pohutukawa harbours and estuaries. This ha • Reclamation of the sea bed. • Avoid walking over the Undaria can prevent native • Sea lettuce blooms are linked to llfish beds popular place for recreation. se (Figure 1 – overleaf) to the p ally in the Mangrove seedling . r them. • ent in the water column vehicles over or nea marine species from growing climatic conditions Enhance access to the harbou Tauranga Harbour to increa as of the open tidal flats, especiries) • Dredging, which increases suspended sedim Pohutukawa trees Why does it grow here? r On any fine summer day there w nd nutrient and may cause problems to they’ve taken over large are aikareao and Waimapu estua cles, boats, structural works and people. • Minimise sediment a much of Tauranga haonce grew around • Nuisance bloom events occur be hundreds of people out enjoyingill ds • Disturbance from vehi rty. the aquaculture industry as sub-estuaries (i.e. Te Puna, W runoff from your prope of Pohutukawa re rbour. Small areas The clear, shallow waters of the Tauranga Harbour, Maketu Estuary and periodically over summer months themselves on and around Taura diment (known Mangroves produce large see e n the sea grass beds removing patches it grows on equipment and (Figure 2 – overleaf). • Black swans grazing o areas threat from possummain, but are under Little Waihi Estuary provide an ideal habitat for sea lettuce. nga hey increase the build up of seents and wave • Plant out any riparian smothers shellfish produce. • Bloom events can have Harbour. For many people, the which drop into the water wher ter (Figure 1 – overleaf) damage. When mangroves spread, t by reducing and altering curr angrove also to, stabilise stream banks, trap Undaria Normally, the amount of nutrients in our harbours and estuaries is low, undesirable effects on marine life harbour is the main reason why the they are spread by wind andshes wa onto has spread to most as sedimentation) in an area NIWA Middleton, Crispin land and and recreation live in the western Bay of Plenty. y cture and low branches of the m currents. When a seed wa sediment runoff from major New Zealand ports and slowing sea lettuce growth. However large blooms do happen regularly to the off. As energy. The vertical root stru sediment. reduce nutrient run many harbours. It was first in New Zealand and in temperate coastal waters of countries throughout • You can find out more about the population grows, so too wi to a suitable site, it anchors in blished, help the plant to trap fine silty recorded in Tauranga Harbour the world. sea lettuce by visiting number of people using the harboull the ve spread are major concernslike to see open sediment. Once they’ve esta s in November 2005 and has www.envbop.govt.nz r. Sediment build up and mangro harbours and estuaries. They n. Mangroves the plant’s root network grow ’s low communities living around under the mud. Because there Figure 2 Undaria been found on shell banks maintained in a healthy conditio ey are found ll vertical plant water and estuary habitats harbours and estuaries that th the spread of oxygen levels in mud, sma es shoot inside the harbour entrance are spreading in many of the ranga Harbour (Figure 2) show roots called pneumatophor e mud, and on man-made structures in. Aerial photographs of Tau up through the surface of th xygen. at the southern end of the owering pla port wharves. mangroves over 44 years. around the plant to provide o es are a native fl nt found in estuaries ar Mangrov ound New Zealand. 19 What is an Estuary Care group?

Estuary Care is one of the Mangroves programmes supported by Environment Bay of Plenty. Mangroves are something you either love or These groups are involved hate. To some they are native marine plants that with estuary restoration work minimise erosion. To others they are pests that to enhance our harbours, are taking over our estuaries and preventing including planting, pest control easy access to the water. and mangrove management. Mangroves are native marine plants that have Estuary Care groups are been growing in harbours and estuaries in New working around Tauranga Zealand for 19 million years. The calm, shallow Harbour at Waikaraka estuary, estuaries in Tauranga Harbour are ideal growing Uretara estuary at Katikati, conditions for mangroves. Waikareao estuary, Welcome Mangroves are important to the marine Bay, Matua and Waimapu in ecosystem and can provide protection from Tauranga city and Tanners erosion and storm surge. They are a nursery Point/Athenree, Omokoroa, ground for some juvenile fish. Te Puna and Prestidge Road, Western Bay of Plenty. Nutrients from fertilisers and effluent, plus sediment from the catchment are washed into If you want to do your bit for streams and rivers by rainfall and are then your community call 0800 carried into the harbour. This has created ENV BOP (368 267) and ask more habitat for mangroves to grow. Too for the Estuary Care officer. many mangroves can restrict our access and enjoyment of the harbour. What you can do to stop further For more information: mangrove spread? Environment Bay of Plenty has a factsheet on mangroves • Minimise sediment runoff when in Tauranga Harbour. Pick one undertaking earthworks. up from one of our offices or • Plant out any riparian areas to trap sediment visit our website and reduce nutrient runoff. www.envbop.govt.nz • Join an Estuary Care group.

20 Pests

Many unwanted plants and animals live in or around the land surrounding the Tauranga Harbour.

Around our harbour • Undaria (Asian kelp) which attaches itself to artificial Pest animals include Possums, structures and also prevents rats, mustelids (ferrets, stoats and native plants and animals from weasels) cats, mice and Argentine living there. ants which eat native plants and birds or eat food that native In the future Sea Squirt or Styela animals need. clava may also be a threat to the harbour. Pest plants include Spartina, saltwater paspalum, morning All boaties should regularly glory, ice plant, gorse, pampas, check and clean their boat hulls woolly nightshade and wild ginger. to minimise any possibility of These pests can smother native transporting Undaria plants to plants or increase sedimentation any special marine areas such as around the harbour. Tuhua (Mayor Island). In the harbour Environment Bay of Plenty has a factsheet on Biosecurity in There have been two marine pests Tauranga Harbour. Pick it up identified in Tauranga Harbour. from one of our offices or visit our website, www.envbop.govt.nz. • The Asian date mussel, which is a small shellfish that can For more information on marine form large colonies, smothering invaders check out the Biosecurity native plants and animals. New Zealand website, www.biosecurity.govt.nz.

“Brunch with my friends or a coffee at Nautilus while enjoying the views out to Mauao and the harbour.” Marg Amor, party organiser, Otumoetai.

21 Health of our harbour

Water quality

Tauranga Harbour is a popular harbour. This could be caused by place to fish and swim. Its water sediment run-off from land, storm quality is generally good, and safe water discharges, and suspension for swimming. of material by wind and waves.

Every two months Environment Some parts of the harbour are Bay of Plenty takes samples showing increased levels of from various sites in the harbour. indicator bacteria which show Environment Bay of Plenty also contamination from faecal matter. carries out a bathing suitability Contamination can be caused by survey every summer and checks situations including sewage spills, the quality of the water against leaking septic tanks and livestock. the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Ministry of Health The levels are still safe for (MoH) guidelines for monitoring swimming and other recreational recreational water quality. You activities. However, Environment can visit Environment Bay of Bay of Plenty staff are working to Plenty’s website at www.envbop. reduce these levels to govt.nz to see if the water in maintain and improve the water your area is safe for swimming. quality in Tauranga Harbour. Public health boards issue these For more information about warnings. water quality in Tauranga The amount of material Harbour check our website, suspended in the water has www.envbop.govt.nz, keywords increased in some parts of the - swimming, water quality.

22 Photo: Jamie Cantlon Sedimentation

Sedimentation is the build up programmes previously run of sand and silt and is a natural by Environment Bay of Plenty, process in all harbours, including including fencing off stream Tauranga Harbour. However margins around the harbour, the amount of sedimentation re-vegetation of steep land, and has increased over the years farm environment plans have due to changing land-use been important in reducing the and development. amount of sediment entering the harbour. Coupled with the work of Sedimentation has affected many Estuary Care groups around the aspects of harbour life and can harbour and compliance audits on interfere with many harbour uses. earthworks site by our Pollution For example, navigation channels Prevention team, improved land have become more shallow, management plays an important mangrove areas have increased role in reversing the effects and some habitats such as sea of sedimentation. grass beds and shellfish beds have been lost or damaged. Environment Bay of Plenty has a factsheet on sedimentation The Tauranga Harbour catchment in Tauranga Harbour. Pick it up will continue to face pressure from one of our offices or visit our due to urban growth and climate website, www.envbop.govt.nz. change. Land management

“Enjoy a barbecue lunch with your family and then doze in the shade at Kulim Park or watch the kite surfers at Fergusson Park.” Emlyn Hatch, public transport fanatic, Welcome Bay.

o t, Tuapir Tanners Poin

23 Our climate

Climate Change will have a The issues Environment Bay of significant impact on our lives Plenty are discussing include: and our ecosystems. Within • supporting the Coast Care and the Tauranga Harbour, Climate Estuary Care programmes; Change means there could be loss of salt marsh and the growth • adapting land-use practices to of more mangroves. There could cope with Climate Change; also be more flooding events • supporting pest plant and pest due to heavy rainfall and more animal management; and shoreline erosion as the sea-level rises. • enhancing the resilience of ecosystems by improving water We know Climate Change will quality and natural habitat and happen so it is important to plan reducing the stress caused by for sea-level rise and heavy invasive species. rain events. This will help us to prevent damage to people and For more information on Climate property in the event of flooding Change in the Bay of Plenty visit and erosion. our website, www.envbop.govt.nz, keywords - Climate Change Environment Bay of Plenty staff are already planning for Climate Change.

24 Kauri Point Jetty Threats to our harbour

• Silt washing into the harbour can • Rubbish dumping contaminates trap pollutants, smother shellfish the land and water, spreads beds and change the way water weeds and looks terrible. circulates. • Reclaiming and draining • Land development around the land breaks up and damages estuary boundary can lead to natural areas. the loss of wetlands, coastal • Septic tank effluent leaching or shrublands and forest - a buffer sewage spills in the catchment between land and estuary. can pollute waterways and the • Stormwater often contains harbour and make shellfish sediments and pollutants unsafe for people to eat. including heavy metals from • Over-fishing diminishes future roads. seafood resource. • Sediment, nutrients and • Driving on the beach, dunes or contaminants are washed into mudflats can damage plants, the waterways which run to the birds and other creatures of harbour - affecting all that the estuary. lives there. • Shoreline erosion is sometimes • Invasive weeds can quickly exacerbated by vegetation overcome native plants – removal or weed infestations. reducing habitat for native birds and insects. • Oil spills can cause a lot of damage to the harbour and upset • Rats, stoats, dogs and cats can devastate native fauna - including plant and animal life. birds that live in harbour dunes, forest reserves and salt marsh. • Stock grazing can destroy delicate saltmarsh and stream Did you know? edges – nesting grounds for birds and spawning habitat Environment Bay of Plenty runs for whitebait. a Pollution Hotline seven days a week. If you see an oil spill on the • Farm run-off contains bacteria, harbour, people dumping rubbish nitrogen and phosphorus, in the harbour or its catchment polluting the harbour and area call 0800 73 83 93. speeding mangrove growth.

25 Caring for our harbour

We all have a role to play in keeping our harbour beautiful. There are many simple steps we can take to care for Tauranga Harbour at home, in our garden, on our farm, and on or around the water.

At the harbour

• Help your children learn why • Take your rubbish home - even the harbour is important. better, pick up and dispose of • Walk on marked paths other people’s rubbish. and tracks. • Regularly check that your boat • Park in marked areas. is not leaking oil or pollutants. • Do not drive on the beach, • Avoid gathering shellfish after dunes or mudflats. a heavy rain as poor water quality may mean they are • Keep your dog on a leash near unsafe to eat. bird habitats, or avoid walking dogs in those locations. • Regularly check and clean the hull of your boat for pests.

“Grab a deck chair, a chilled drink and watch the cruise ships come into Pilot Bay on a warm summer’s evening.” Elisabeth Andrews, Te Puke

26 Your farm or Did you know? lifestyle block

Environment Bay of Plenty can also provide assistance to help • Fence streams and waterways landowners fence and plant to keep stock off stream waterways entering the Tauranga banks and out of the water Harbour. For more information call (a reticulated stock 0800 ENV BOP (368 267). water supply provides better environmental care). • Plant along streams and waterways (ideally in Your home and garden native plants relevant to the harbour environments). • Make sure your septic tank is in good working order. • Avoid overgrazing steep slopes and pasture near waterways. • Don’t pour pollutants into or wash paint brushes in • Catch and control stock effluent. storm water drains. • Avoid spraying chemicals • Wash your car on grass so near waterways. pollutants don’t flow into • Apply fertiliser sparingly stormwater drains. and with care, especially • Plant native trees and shrubs near waterways. to help attract birds. • Run a nutrient budget to avoid • Take rubbish, including overuse of fertiliser. green waste, to the landfill • Call Environment Bay of Plenty not the estuary and recycle on 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) wherever possible. for a copy of A Guide to Regional Plans – Farming Activities.

aihi zac Bay, W An

27 Managing our harbour

Tauranga Harbour is one of the The Strategy proposes a number region’s biggest playgrounds. of actions including: It’s therefore important to get the • A webcam for monitoring balance right between protecting harbour mouth crossings; the harbour’s natural character and ecological values and • Increased enforcement of the providing opportunities for people five-knot rule; to access and enjoy the harbour. • A Tauranga Harbour website featuring an events calendar, One of the ways to manage this water quality information and balance is through resource ship movements; management plans and strategies. • Establishing a harbour recreation forum which would An overarching strategy was include representatives from developed in 2006 called the recreation groups and tangata Tauranga Harbour Integrated whenua; and Management Strategy. It • Research into the reduction in addresses issues like: shellfish beds. • Water quality; The Regional Coastal • Protecting salt marsh and bird Environment Plan places habitat; restrictions on certain activities • Sedimentation; and within the harbour and its • Population growth and its margins. Structures such as impact on the harbour. seawalls, jetties and marinas all require resource consent under Other plans feed into this the Resource Management Act overarching strategy including 1991. the Tauranga Harbour Recreation Strategy. This strategy manages For copies of the Tauranga recreational use of the harbour Harbour Recreation Strategy, and was adopted in 2008. Tauranga Harbour Integrated Management Strategy or the other policies and plans that govern our harbour, call 0800 ENV BOP or visit www.envbop.govt.nz.

28 PROFILE

Living the Dream Jennifer Roberts, Harbourmaster - Western Bay of Plenty

As the western Bay of people’s safety at risk. a large square-rigged Plenty Harbourmaster, Basically if you’re within sailing ship in Norway. Jennifer Roberts is 200 metres of the shore She started out on the regularly out on the water then you must stick to ship peeling potatoes for her job. When she’s five-knots.” and scrubbing floors before eventually being not at work she enjoys The rest of her days promoted to second mate. nothing better than are filled with tasks like This valuable experience exploring the harbour’s checking buoys and helped Jennifer gain the estuaries and inlets. beacons around the qualifications she needed harbour and responding Jennifer says a huge for her current position as to any oil spills that aspect of her job is a Harbourmaster. about education. Raising may occur. Despite working on the awareness of boat safety Jennifer’s career was a harbour every day Jennifer and the Navigation Safety natural progression for is still struck by the Bylaws is important for us her. As a child she loved beauty of the place and all to be able to enjoy boats and used to skip likes nothing better than the harbour. school to go sailing. heading out on the water The primary issue Her dream was to sail on on her days off. In their concerns the five-knot big square-rigged ships shallow bottomed kauri rule, says Jennifer. but as she said “there launch. Jennifer and her weren’t the opportunities husband love exploring “A small percentage of for women to do that at the estuaries and creeks jet skiers and water skiers the time”. in the harbour, anchoring go over the speed limit near the mudflats and when they’re close to the So she went overseas watching the birds. shore and this puts other where she worked on 29 Who does what? Contact details of agencies

Environment Bay of Plenty

Call 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) www.envbop.govt.nz

Contact for: Pest plant and pest animal advice; soil conversation information; riparian management advice; Environmental Enhancement Fund; Estuary Care groups; Coast Care groups; navigation and safety; coastal management, and resource consents for structures and discharges etc.

Tauranga City Council

Call 07 577 7000 www.tauranga.govt.nz

Tauranga City Council covers from Bethlehem in the north, reaching west to Pyes Pa, south around the harbour via Maungatapu and Welcome Bay, and east covering Papamoa and Mauao.

Contact for: resource consents for subdivision and land-use; stormwater drainage, water supply; sewage disposal; refuse collection and disposal; local reserves; signs; and roadworks.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Call 07 571 8008 www.wbopdc.govt.nz

The Western Bay of Plenty District is made up of five wards, Waihi Beach, Katikati, Kaimai, Te Puke and Maketu.

Contact for: resource consents for subdivision and land use; stormwater drainage, water supply; sewage disposal; refuse collection and disposal; local reserves; signs; and roadworks.

30 Ministry of Fisheries

Call 0800 4RULES (478 537) www.fish.govt.nz

The Ministry of Fisheries works to ensure that fisheries are used in a sustainable way and that New Zealand has a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Contact for: advice on recreational/commercial restrictions on fishing in the Tauranga Harbour; customary Maori fishing; and general fishing information.

Department of Conservation

Call 0800 366 1080 www.doc.govt.nz

The Department of Conservation is the Central Government organisation charged with conserving the natural and historic heritage of New Zealand on behalf of and for the benefit of present and future New Zealanders.

Contact for: information on management of conservation land vested in the crown, information on indigenous flora and fauna of the Tauranga Harbour catchment, and advice on conservation programmes that you can be involved in.

This brochure was put together by Environment Bay of Plenty and printed in March 2009. Information is presented as a guide only: if in doubt please talk with an expert.

Photo Credits Cover: Rick Stapa • Page 2: Jurgen Delaere (Kite surfers), Brian Chudleigh (Black Stilt), Colleen Kiddie (Boys fishing) Page 8: Matthew Keam (Maori Art) • Page 11: Port of Tauranga • Page 13: Jo Hayward (Scallops) 31 Page 15: Brian Chudleigh • Page 22: Jamie Cantlon • Page 31: Jane Keam Environment Bay of Plenty

• 5 Quay Street, Whakatane • 1125 Arawa Street, Rotorua • 6 Rata Street, Mount Maunganui

Post: PO Box 364, Whakatane

Phone: 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) Fax: 0800 ENV FAX (368 329)

Pollution Hotline: 0800 73 83 93 Email: [email protected] Website: www.envbop.govt.nz

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