Paula Thompson BOP Regional Councillor www.envbop.govt.nz

There's probably not a lot most of us all agree on, but if there was something I'd bet it would be that our beautiful harbour is what makes this place so special. Whether you're on, in, or under it, or whether you're walking or driving by it, there is something wonderfully special about our harbour. It's a place where the sea and sun dance.

Tauranga Harbour is a large tidal estuary and covers about 218sq km. A drive from one end of it to the other covers about 60km. The name Tauranga means ‘landing place'. At the eastern end is Mount Maunganui and at the western end, Bowentown. The harbour waters are mostly shallow and at low tide 60 per cent of the harbour bed is exposed.

It is a place of great ecological diversity and natural wonder.

It is the sub-region's biggest playground and it's vital that we get the balance right between protecting the natural character and ecological values and providing opportunities for us to access and enjoy it.

The regional council plays many roles with regards this treasure. Probably one of the most important roles is a planning role for the ongoing protection and enhancement. Early next year the council will hold a symposium so that all who are involved with safeguarding and enhancing the harbour can share information and work together on the best ways forward.

At an operations level, the council supports Estuary Care groups including carefully managed control of mangroves, sea lettuce removal, implementing the 16 sub-catchment plans for sediment management including advice and support for better land use, stock exclusion and planting of streams and river beds ,working with land owners on better protection of bio-diversity sites, monitoring of water quality ,pollution control, harbour maritime operations and resource consents for matters such as storm water that affect the discharges into the harbour. The council is the number one player in terms of working with industry councils and land owners in rural and urban areas to reduce erosion, sediment, pollutants and other run-off from getting into waterways and ultimately the harbour.

This year the Rena response and recovery has been a major focus, with much still to be done.

The Tauranga Harbour is our place – and the regional council is committed to ensuring we and future Tauranga residents and visitors can enjoy what nature has given us. Phone me on 027 222 2419 to discuss any regional council matter.