Sediment is the third-highest threat to marine habitats in New Zealand. The Mahurangi Land Restoration Programme (MLRP) aims to increase the health of the Mahurangi Harbour and its waterways by reducing human induced sediment from private and public land activities.
Auckland Council and Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust have partnered to design and deliver the MLRP, which is a $5 million, five-year programme funded by the Ministry for the Environment's (MfE) 'Jobs for Nature' fund.
The programme supports the vision, values and mahi from previous foundational projects including the community-led Mahurangi Action Plan. With a focus on rural land use, forestry and unsealed roads, the MLRP grants funding to rural landowners and community initiatives that help reduce sediment in the Mahurangi catchment. Funding from the MLRP finishes in June 2026.