Wellington City Council and mana whenua are calling on residents to help shape the future of the Pōneke coastline – a taonga of the city.
Public consultation on Tātou ki Uta – the draft Coastal Reserves Management Plan – is now open until midday Tuesday 5 August 2025.
Covering coastal areas from Oriental Bay to Red Rocks, Tātou ki Uta sets out a 10-year plan for how the city and its people will care for, protect, and continue to enjoy our coastal reserves, beaches, public parks, and amenities like tracks, boat ramps, and public toilets.
“We’ve worked closely with our community and Takai Here partners to create a draft plan that is integrated and forward-looking. This public consultation is an invitation for every Wellingtonian to help shape the future of our coastal spaces,” adds Mayor Whanau.
Councillor Teri O’Neill, Chair of the Social, Cultural, and Economic Committee, says it’s important to have your say.
“Our coastline is where so many of us feel most grounded; a place to meet friends and whānau, swim with the dog, or take in the wildlife around us. We’ve heard how much people care about the dunes, kororā (penguin) habitats, and cultural stories of these places. Now we want your voice in how we care for these taonga for the next decade.”
The draft plan includes over 80 proposed actions, ranging from practical upgrades like improved toilets and tracks, to long-term efforts towards erosion control, protection of wildlife, restoring Māori names to reserves, and planning for climate adaptation in high-risk areas.
Council has worked closely with mana whenua partners Ngāti Toa and Taranaki Whānui to develop the draft plan.
The name Tātou ki Uta, gifted by mana whenua, means “all of us on the land” and speaks to the shared responsibility of both iwi and the wider community in caring for the coast.
Rawiri Faulkner, Pou Toa Matarau, of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, says the coastal environment is incredibly important to Ngāti Toa.
“We welcome the opportunity to strengthen our connection to the places we consider significant and to ensure our obligations to protect our taonga as kaitiaki is enhanced.
“We invite the community to participate in this process and join the council in ensuring our coastal environment is able to be enjoyed by current and future generations.”
Tiamana | Chairperson Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika Te Whatanui Winiata says Taranaki Whānui is pleased to be a part of a kaupapa that once again highlights the importance of kotahitanga.
“Kotahitanga is working in partnership to maintain the cultural significance of our coastal areas. Kotahitanga is having a shared view on protecting our coastal areas. Kotahitanga is sharing in the development of the plan for our coastal areas.
“Taranaki Whānui is delighted with the expressions of kotahitanga with the Council and we look forward to more opportunities to collaborate.”
Public consultation is open from Thursday 5 June to midday Tuesday 5 August 2025. You can have your say by:
- Completing the online survey at wcc.nz/coastalplan
- Filling out a paper submission form available online and at all Council libraries.
- Emailing [email protected]
The full draft plan is available to read on Let’s Talk wcc.nz/coastalplan or you can find a copy in Te Awe Library.
Whether you’re a surfer, swimmer, diver, dog walker, jogger, environmentalist, community volunteer, or a proud Wellingtonian, this plan is for everyone – and we want to know if we’ve got it right.