More than 100,000 native plants will be planted along Porirua’s waterways this year as the city expands its streamside restoration programme aimed at improving the health of Te Awarua o Porirua Harbour.
Porirua City Council says 108,000 plants will go in the ground between May and October, supported by $900,000 in funding split between the council and the Ministry for the Environment.
The streamside planting programme began in 2022 and focuses on restoring habitats and improving water quality across the harbour catchment.
Planting will take place in Horokiwi, Pāuatahanui, Taupō Swamp, eastern Porirua and Rangituhi.
Council manager of urban ecology Daniela Baggio said the work relies heavily on support from schools and volunteers.
“It’s going to be a busy winter for our Parks team and we are always looking to build on the previous years’ engagement,” Baggio said.
“Schools and communities are really committed and engaged in the programme and I’m certain we will get willing volunteers out there, often on wet days, getting their hands in the ground as we look to improve the health of the harbour.”
The council is working in partnership with Ngāti Toa and alongside Greater Wellington Regional Council, Mountains to Sea and local community groups.
Mayor Anita Baker said planting along streams and waterways played a key role in restoring the harbour.
“We know what planting is needed and we’re making a huge effort each winter to make this happen,” Baker said.
“Our ongoing commitment to catchment restoration is part of the Porirua Harbour Accord, which unites key partners to restore the ecological, cultural and environmental integrity of this precious taonga for Porirua.”
The accord, signed on February 6 last year, includes Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Porirua City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Wellington City Council and Wellington Water Ltd.
Council figures show the programme planted 170,200 plants in 2025 across nearly 33 hectares of land. More than 1500 students from 53 schools also took part in planting days, alongside community volunteers.