Auckland Council is stepping up its work to protect Auckland’s harbours and coastal environments by tackling one of the biggest causes of water pollution – sediment, focusing on innovative technologies to detect sediment risks as they happen.
Sediment enters waterways from activities like construction, earthworks and erosion across rural and urban landscapes, clouding water, harming marine life and degrading ecosystems.
Auckland Council’s ‘Strategic Approach to Sediment’ programme is focused on stopping sediment at its source and improving water quality across the region while making smart use of ratepayer funding.
Chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee, Cr Richard Hills, says the programme is not only making a real difference but is also delivering value for money.
“All Aucklanders care and want our waterways to be clean and healthy. This programme is about protecting them now and for future generations. We’re focusing on stopping sediment before it reaches our streams and harbours – and we’re seeing real improvement as a result,” says Cr Hills.
“We’re using smarter tools to target the highest-risk sites, which means we can act earlier and get better results without wasting time or resources. That’s good for the environment and ensures we’re making the best use of ratepayer funding.”
Smarter tools, better outcomes
At the core of the sediment programme are cutting-edge technologies like machine learning, satellite imagery and smart cameras to detect sediment risks in real time.
New tools like EnviroEyes™ smart cameras being used to monitor sediment ponds on construction sites, and satellite-based modelling to detect bare earth across the entire region is enabling faster, smarter and more proactive responses.
This approach means staff can focus on the sites that matter most and can act quickly to prevent sediment entering waterways.
Dr Jacquie Reed, Auckland Council Senior Analyst says that the programme is already delivering practical results on the ground all across the region.
“Real-time monitoring is helping identify where sediment is coming from and staff can proactively guide activities on-site to improve construction work and minimise sediment loss. We are building a network of new technology to support proactive compliance staff so they can respond to pollution events and sediment issue alerts. Their investigations are looking to get ahead of any sediment issue. Additionally, across rural areas, initiatives such as planting on hillslopes and gullies, wetland restoration and farm planning are reducing erosion and keeping sediment out of waterways,” says Dr Reed.
Larger programmes, including Kaipara Moana Remediation and catchment restoration work, are also helping restore key environments over time.”
Taking a proactive approach
The ‘Closing the GAP’ programme focuses on proactive compliance to prevent sediment from construction sites entering Auckland’s waterways.
From 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, a team of four officers conducted over 1,400 site inspections per month across small to medium construction sites, with total monthly visits ranging from approximately 1,080 to 1,980.
Overall compliance rates are now approximately 90 per cent, a marked improvement from an estimated 95 per cent non-compliance rate in 2019. Enforcement action continues where required, with abatements and infringements issued to address non-compliance.
Dr Reed says that working with communities and companies is key to the success of the programme.
“The programme is a collaborative effort, involving council teams, the construction and earthworks sector, iwi, and community groups,” says Dr Reed.
“Initiatives such as industry partnerships and knowledge-sharing, like the earthworks industry’s Mud Matters newsletter, are helping lift standards across the sector.
Between 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, 1,110 abatement notices and 330 infringements were issued, demonstrating a balanced approach of education and enforcement while supporting better environmental practices on the ground.”
Looking ahead
A long-term Sediment Roadmap to the year 2100 sets out how Auckland will continue to reduce sediment and improve soil and water health over the coming decades. It focuses on:
- acting now to reduce exposed soil
- improving land management over time
- restoring healthy ecosystems for the future.