In a first-of-its-kind partnership, the Port of Auckland is combining Māori knowledge and marine science to restore biodiversity beneath its busiest wharf.
Mussel spat catching devices set to be installed beneath Captain Cook wharf.
What’s at stake: The health of the Hauraki Gulf is in steady decline, threatening marine biodiversity, regional fisheries, and Auckland’s environmental reputation. The project offers a potential blueprint for restoring ecology in industrial environments – with business, iwi, and science working together.
Background: The initiative began after controversy over the Port’s dredging plans. Instead of confrontation, a new collaboration emerged – installing mussel spat devices under Captain Cook Wharf to seed marine life and eventually support reef restoration across the region.
Main players: Port of Auckland (led by sustainability head Nigel Ironside), Māori marine ecologist Tamati Stevens (who once opposed the port’s plans), Auckland Council as owner, and local iwi who bring cultural leadership and spiritual oversight to the kaupapa.
A dawn pōwhiri at Captain Cook Wharf this morning brought together iwi leaders, marine biologists, scientists, and industry partners to launch Port of Auckland’s new marine biodiversity initiative. The event marked the installation of dozens of mussel ‘spat-catching’ devices beneath the
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Key points
What’s at stake: The health of the Hauraki Gulf is in steady decline, threatening marine biodiversity, regional fisheries, and Auckland’s environmental reputation. The project offers a potential blueprint for restoring ecology in industrial environments – with business, iwi, and science working together.
Background: The initiative began after controversy over the Port’s dredging plans. Instead of confrontation, a new collaboration emerged – installing mussel spat devices under Captain Cook Wharf to seed marine life and eventually support reef restoration across the region.
Main players: Port of Auckland (led by sustainability head Nigel Ironside), Māori marine ecologist Tamati Stevens (who once opposed the port’s plans), Auckland Council as owner, and local iwi who bring cultural leadership and spiritual oversight to the kaupapa.
