The Kaipara River & Harbour

“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.

I am haunted by waters.”

-Norman Mclean, A River runs through it.

This is a picture of the Kaipara River.
For some reason I find it fascinating. I imagined it to be like a water wilderness, left to itself.
Well, I was definitely wrong about that!

Atleast 150 years ago the local Māori called Helensville as Te Awaroa – “The Valley for the Long River”. They had inhabited the area for many centuries, some say as much 9 centuries ago! They had their settlements along river. Back then it was teeming with life,  and was said to be a rich food source, as well as having an expansive amount of kauri trees.


Nowadays, the according to the Auckland Council Marine Report Card
*"(Marine water quality monitoring began in 2009). The water quality of Kaipara Harbour has been ranked as ‘fair’. This ranking is due to ‘fair’ water quality found at four sites, ‘good’ water quality at two sites, whilst the Kaipara River was ranked as ‘poor’". One hopes the situation is not irredeemable!

Although quality of River may be questionable; the harbour is said to be an important fish nursery for West Coast snapper, grey mullet, flounder and rig. It also provides feeding grounds and roosts for thousands of migratory birds. It's river estuaries provide inanga spawning areas. Even the sand flats and sub tidal channels support diverse communities of sand dwelling organisms and large sea grass beds. (Auckland Council).




Kaipara Harbour (2nd largest in the Southern Hemisphere!)


Once upon a time, it was a significant trading post, and milling was  predominant due to the abundance of kauri. Unfortunately, many a ship was sunk due to a harbour mouth & sandbar that was obviously dangerous to navigate through. It's nick name was 'the grave-yard'. (Some speculate at least 100 ships were lost,...with them lives, a sad thought).When the tide is down, Shipwrecks are apparently still visible! Historically, as far back as 1300, Rongomai a Maori Chief was said to have drowned coming across this expanse on his canoe, his body was eaten by trevally and his ancestors to this day are said to steer away from eating this fish!

The milling trade eventually ended 1890's, & in 1947 the port was officially closed.

From 1940's to late 1950's fishing was a lucrative trade. Shark fishing in particular, (eek). No more fantasies of swimming there freely for me! In 2008, there was some exciting talk of an energy company wanting to put turbines into the water to create power for 100,000 homes, but I am uncertain as to how that is developing. These days cruises, regatta's, recreational boating and tourism are the main attractions to these mysterious waters.




Boats

Hope that wasnt too boring, I love learning new things about my surroundings! The links below have loads more information and the Helensville Pioneer Museum has beautiful old pictures from the 1800's.
Im thinking about going to the Museum; either by myself or with my Darling Hubstar!
Hope your week is going well,
Storm

Excerpts & Information taken from :

Helensville Pioneer Museum www.helensvillemuseum.org.nz/harbour/index.htm
About Auckland Website
*Auckland Council
www.northlandnz.com
and some Wiki, yes I know!

* Boats: last picture by Dave Addison, Dash Design.