Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua collaborate with authorities following gold clam discovery

Mana whenua in South Auckland are taking a leading role in protecting the mauri of their ancestral waters following the discovery of invasive freshwater gold clams near the Glenbrook Steel Mill. Roimata Minhinnick, the lead negotiator for Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, says the iwi is focused on finding solutions to protect the life force of the water and mitigate potential harm caused by the species. Biosecurity New Zealand confirmed the detection in the Ruakohua stream, marking the first time the species has been found in the Auckland region. The incursion is believed to have originated from pipelines carrying water from the Waikato River to New Zealand Steel for commercial use. Auckland Council has stated it is working closely with mana whenua, the steel mill, and regional authorities to determine the full extent of the issue and prevent further spread. For Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, the priority remains the cultural and ecological health of the Waiuku awa. Minhinnick warns that the threat to the water's mauri is a threat to the iwi’s identity, history, and connection to the land. The group is currently awaiting the results of eDNA testing to determine how far the clams have spread and is investigating whether a second pipeline connected to Maioro has been affected. While Biosecurity New Zealand spokesperson Dr Catherine Duthie notes the clams are unlikely to survive in the salt water of the Manukau Harbour, iwi representatives are maintaining a proactive stance. New Zealand Steel has confirmed it is following all advice from the Ministry for Primary Industries to mitigate the presence of the clams. The collaborative effort highlights the importance of integrating mātauranga Māori and local kaitiakitanga into biosecurity responses to ensure the long-term health of Aotearoa’s waterways.