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PAUATAHANUI INLET COMMUNITY TRUST |
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About the Inlet
Pauatahanui Inlet, one of the largest and ecologically important estuaries in New Zealand, forms the eastern arm of the Porirua Harbour, situated near the lower end of the North Island. It is 3.5 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide and has a shoreline of 13 kilometres. The estuary has an approximate area of 450 hectares, of which about a quarter is tidal flats. Six small streams run into the Inlet from a large, semi-rural catchment.
While much of the surrounding marshes and saltmarshes has been modified in some way by roading, farming and other activity, most of the tidal flats and channel system are in their natural state, although constantly modified by natural influences. The Inlet is rated as “A Site of National Significance” in the ‘Sites of Special Wildlife Interest’ Department of Conservation database.
The special significance of the Inlet is highlighted by a number of reserves created to preserve the unique natural heritage the Inlet is. These include the 43 hectare Pauatahanui Management Reserve administered by Forest and Bird Society, a 169 hectare wildlife refuge at the eastern end of the Inlet and two reserves protecting the remaining marsh and saltmarsh areas. A number of other smaller bush reserves and covenants also exist. It has a limited shell fish resource and is of special significance to the recognised tangata whenua of the area, the Ngati Toa.
The estuary provides a natural beauty for those living and travelling round it, as well as providing recreation for many in the Greater Wellington area.