The Whangārei Harbour Water Quality Improvement Strategy (the strategy) is the result of a joint Northland Regional Council – Whangarei District Council project to better align and enhance our management of water quality in the Whangārei Harbour.
The strategy sets out what we know about the quality of water in the harbour, the known and likely impacts of water quality on its important uses and values, the sources of contamination, and the respective actions of both councils to maintain and improve its water quality.
The focus of the strategy is on the upper harbour because that is where water quality is often degraded. Water in the middle and lower areas of the harbour is generally of a high quality.
A key action of the strategy is to collaboratively develop an integrated catchment management plan for the harbour and its contributing catchment. This will involve working closely with the community, key stakeholders, and iwi and hapu to establish catchment-specific management objectives and associated water quality limits (enforceable standards). Other important actions include improving the performance of wastewater and stormwater reticulation and treatment infrastructure and working closely with rural landowners in the harbour catchment to prevent and reduce loads of sediments, nutrients, and faecal matter entering the harbour.
The strategy should be seen as a statement of intent of both councils to enhance our management of the harbour and to work more closely and transparently with the community.
Request a printed copy
You can request a printed copy of the summary version of the strategy by calling us on freephone 0800 002 004.
View Online
You can view or download a full copy of the summary and main version of the strategy by clicking on the links below.