Pauatahanui Inlet is located about 30 kilometres north of Wellington. The Inlet is the only large estuarine wetland left in the lower half of the North Island. It is recognised as a site of significant conservation value and national scientific importance. Locally, it’s valued for bird watching, boating and biodiversity.

Despite its importance, the unique characteristics of the Inlet have been put at risk by encroaching development.

In 1991, a group of people concerned about the Inlet’s future got together to do something about it. They formed a group called the Guardians of Pauatahanui Inlet to help take care of the special natural and cultural values of the area.

Taking action
During its short history, chairperson Christine Jacobson says the group has been actively involved in advocacy, education and research.

“The Guardians have made a significant contribution to monitoring the health of the Inlet through our three yearly cockle counts, a rigorous monitoring exercise that sees members and the community counting and measuring cockles”, Christine says.

Every year, the group also helps run a clean-up of the Inlet. In addition, it makes submissions on proposals that could affect the area, such as new roading work. A regular newsletter is produced and an education kit for schools has also been developed.

Recently, the Guardians have begun looking at the health of stream water entering Pauatahanui Inlet. Three major streams are being monitored. Seven monitoring sites along the streams have been chosen. Each site will be assessed, along a 10-metre stretch, once a season in April, July, October and January.

Hard work rewarded
In recognition of its work, in 1998 the group received a Green Ribbon Award from the Minister for the Environment for outstanding efforts to conserve and protect the natural values of the Inlet.

Christine believes the group's biggest achievement has been initiating the process that led to the development of the Pauatahanui Inlet Action Plan.

The action plan provides a blueprint for the future management of the Inlet. A special trust, the Pauatahanui Inlet Community Trust, has been set up to oversee the plan’s implementation.

Members of the Guardians have been appointed to the Trust along with other community representatives. Wellington Regional Council, Porirua City Council and Ngati Toa are also represented.

Together with the local community, the Trust will build on the progress already made by the Guardians and others who have worked to ensure the protection of this special area.

You can read more about the Guardians of Pauatahanui Inlet on the group's website.