Protecting the values of the Inlet
Pāuatahanui Inlet
The only remaining large estuarine wetland in the lower half of the North Island of New Zealand.
It is classified as a ‘Site of Special Wildlife Interest‘ and an area of ‘Significant Conservation Value’.
But it is at risk, mainly from human activities in both the Inlet itself and throughout the whole catchment.
Guardians of Pāuatahanui Inlet
We are a registered charity. Everything we do advocates for the recognition and protection of the ecological, recreational and cultural values of the Inlet.
Our Vision: for the Inlet to be clean, clear, teeming with life and a respected and valued resource for the community.
OUR LATEST NEWS
SUBMISSION ON MT WELCOME FAST-TRACK APPLICATION
We have made a submission to Greater Wellington on the latest application for development of the Porirua City’s Northern Growth Area.
You can read this submission HERE
(10 august 2026)
THE 2025 COCKLE SURVEY
The latest of our triennial cockle surveys of the Inlet was carried out in November 2025.
Now we can announce that the report, developed and published by NIWA has been received and is available to read on our site.
Go to our Cockle Survey Page for all the information about this, our twelfth survey since 1992
(20 July 2026)
APRIL NEWSLETTER
Our latest newsletter, The Inlet for April 2026, has now been published and distributed to our membership. This issue includes the second installment of the feature on Taupō Swamp as well as news from our Chair regarding the state of the climate and how it will affect Pāuatahanui Inlet. We also report on the recent Annual Inlet Clean-up and you can read about the current regulations for amateur fishers in the Inlet.
Read our newsletters here: The Inlet.
(25 April 2026)
If you like what you see here PLEASE JOIN US
More members means more influence in promoting the community’s view on protection of the Inlet.


