Residents push for dredging of Onehunga Lagoon as silt buildup leaves boats stranded

Residents of Onehunga, Auckland, are advocating for the dredging of Onehunga Lagoon, which has become unusable due to years of silt buildup. Over 1,700 people have signed a petition, but local authorities have not committed to funding the project. The lagoon, once a community asset, has suffered from neglect and damage from Cyclone Gabrielle. Local groups, including the Aotea Sea Scouts, report that the lagoon is now too shallow for safe boating activities, impacting youth training programs. Auckland Council has no current plans for dredging but is working on improving tidal gates. A new automated system is set to be installed in December to help manage water levels, while discussions continue about potential funding for dredging efforts.