Catch Me If You Can! Native Eels on the Move

27 May 2025

Manukau
News
Sustainability

Ever walked past a stream and thought, does anything actually live in there?

Prepare to be surprised! Recently, our ecology team discovered 239 native tuna (shortfin eels) in the ponds and waterways of Manu-kau Noa Iho/Hayman Park, Manukau, and another 37 in Te Aka Raataa (Rata Vine Stream, Wiri). These slippery locals have been quietly thriving in our urban streams—right under our noses.

As work ramps up to regenerate Te Puhinui (Puhinui stream) catchment through these two major projects, we’re making sure the original residents are well cared for.

Our ecology experts have been gently catching and relocating the tuna up stream of the Puhinui stream. This keeps them safe while we improve their home into a sanctuary.

The future is looking healthy for these tuna as they will return to a living wetland with plenty of native plants to live and hide in.

We will be able to watch this from the new boardwalks and new wider pathways that connect both people and nature, helping us shape a greener, more connected South Auckland.

These projects form part of the Transform Manukau programme and bring to life Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui—our long-term plan to regenerate the Puhinui Stream.

From its source in Tootara Park to where it meets the Manukau Harbour, this awa (stream) is being revitalised to support not just nature, but also new homes, shops, and community spaces.

Fun fact: Did you know that the Te Puhinui is named after the Puhi (shortfin eel)? As shared by mana whenua, Puhinui can be translated to ‘large eels’, a name that originates from the shortfin eels, or ‘puhi’, which are plentiful in these waters.

So next time you’re out and about—take a closer look. You never know what taonga (treasures) might be living just below the surface.

Find out more - Hayman Park Repo - EkePanuku and Te Aka Raataa - EkePanuku