Dune Restoration Trust
Beachcare contacts
The Dune Restoration Trust of New Zealand (formally Coastal
Dune Vegetation Network) is a non-profit charitable trust that
carries out research on restoring New Zealand sand dunes.
Sam Stephens
Coastal Community Facilitator
Phone: Environment Waikato’s freephone 0800 800 401
Email: [email protected]
Recent research has focused on best practices for reshaping
and replanting dunes. Research results are available to their
wide network of members through the web, newsletters and
publications.
Harley Spence
Beachcare coordinator
Phone: 027 278 5646
For more information on how to join the trust and to get the
latest newsletter, visit www.dunestrust.org.nz or email
[email protected].
Jim Dahm
Beachcare coordinator
Phone: (07) 868 2315
Issue 8 - Summer 2007
Onemana Beachcare takes off!
The region’s newest beachcare group has rocketed into action with phenomenal community support. In less than one year,
restoration planting has been completed over a large area of the dunes, with over 5000 native dune plants.
The group’s first working bee was Labour weekend 2006 and there was a record turn-out. Over 80 locals showed up, the largest
working bee on the eastern Coromandel in 15 years of beachcare! There have been four working bees since and with great
support at each.
Our beaches are worth
taking care of!
Useful contacts
The group have not only focused on restoring a good cover of spinifex and pingao on the frontal dune, but also undertaken
extensive backdune plantings using native ground cover pohuehue, native sand tussock (hinarepe) and native dune rush
(commonly known as knobby club rush or wiwi).
Environment Waikato
0800 800 401
Beach accessways across the dune have been better defined using temporary rope and warratah fences and signage to ensure
people use these rather than walk over the dune.
The Waikato region has around 1,150 kilometres of stunning
coastline and estuarine shores – a paradise for fishing,
swimming, nature watching, kite surfing, surfing, boating and
family activities.
Biodiversity Advice Waikato
0800 246 348
This is a vast contrast to many places around the world where
there are high density populations, pollution and structures
restricting access to the beach.
The work that beachcare, coastal communities and other
agencies do is essential to looking after what we’ve got!
The driving force, local coordinator Barry Turk, is thrilled with the progress and the strong community support to date.
Environment Waikato and Thames-Coromandel District Council provide the group with native dune species and other materials,
as well as technical support and advice. Environment Waikato beachcare contractors and local Thames-Coromandel District
Council reserve management staff note that the community has made more progress in one year than what can be expected in
four to five years!
Weedbusters
www.weedbusters.org.nz
Surf lifesaving
message
New Zealand Surf Life Saving Association
www.surflifesaving.org.nz
Dune Restoration Trust
www.dunestrust.org.nz
Biosecurity enquiries
Environment Waikato Biosecurity
0800 BIOSEC (0800 246 732)
From Labour Weekend to Easter (during the weekends) surf
lifeguards patrol New Zealand’s busiest beaches. During the
school holiday summer period, patrols are extended to seven
days a week.
Last summer surf lifeguards saved 1440 lives throughout
New Zealand and nearly all of these rescues took place
outside the flags.
EcoFx
West coastline
Phone: (07) 873 8130
Email: [email protected]
More information
Remember three simple rules:
• swim between the flags
• always apply sunscreen – before you go out and after
you’ve been in the water
• be safe around rocks – never turn your back on the sea.
For more information on coastal issues in the region,
check out Environment Waikato’s website www.ew.govt.nz.
If you see someone in trouble alert local lifeguards
or call 111.
Right: A summer’s day on the Korean South coast. Photo:www.neatorama.com.
Environment Waikato’s freephone 0800 800 401
www.ew.govt.nz
Did you know that over 2.3 million New Zealanders went to
the beach last year?
Surf lifeguards use red and yellow flags to show the safest
place to swim. During the day the flags may be moved as
wind, tide or surf conditions change – always check where
they are.
Iain Baggaley – Ecobalance
Coromandel Peninsula/east coast
Phone: (07) 865 6432
Email: [email protected]
Left: A summer’s day in January at Whangamata, one of the most popular
Waikato beaches.
Take care over summer
807-10/07
!
s
d
i
Hi k
Vehicles and dunes don’t mix
Dunes - why do we need them?
Sand dunes are a natural buffer between land and sea. During storms, the waves breaking on the beach move sand from
the dunes out to sea to form a bar or pile of submerged sand. This bar changes the wave action, effectively making waves
break earlier which lessens the impact of the waves onshore. In calmer weather the sand is carried back onshore by the
waves to rebuild the beach. The greater the width of the dunes, the greater the reservoir of sand available to protect against
storm waves.
Crossword – at the beach
How do dunes build and rebuild after storms?
Frontal dunes (those closest to the sea) are formed when dry sand is blown up the beach and trapped by native sand binding
plants. The long leaves slow the wind speed near the ground causing wind blown sand to drop. The plants then grow
through the sand protecting it from being blown away. Dunes naturally build up above the height of where the waves break
on the beach – becoming a natural barrier. Dunes can erode very quickly but building them back up is a slower process.
1
2
Any activity that damages these important plants can stop the dunes rebuilding and can lead to increased erosion.
3
4
5
7
6
8
Some plants are better than others for trapping or ‘binding sand’.
In New Zealand the best plants are our native sand binders
spinifex (Spinifex sericeus) and pingao (Desmoschoenus spiralis)
which are naturally adapted to dune environments. These unique
plants can cope with salt spray, being buried or undermined, low
moisture and nutrient levels, extreme temperatures and living in
loose sand. Photo: Coastline Consultants.
9
10
Driving through dunes can destroy vegetation which makes the
dunes more prone to erosion, Karioitahi Beach Waikato west coast.
Photo: Coastline Consultants.
Damage to vegetation is caused by two and four wheel drive
vehicles. Photo: Franklin District Council.
Across
1 Wear this so you don’t get burnt!
3 Catch your own dinner by doing this.
5 Make a castle with it.
6 A popular season for beachgoers!
7 You can go sailing on one.
9 Protect your eyes from the sun with these.
10 A break from school.
Down
1 You need a board to do this.
2 The name of a sea creature.
4 A yummy summer treat!
7 You can spend all day at one.
8 Swim in between them to keep safe.
Weeds sprouting into summer
Beachcare battling weeds…
Are there any plants in your garden that might be having a
harmful impact on the dune or neighbouring forest
environment? Common garden plants that have become
weeds at Waikato beaches include succulents, flowering
daisies and palms. Whilst they may be beautiful in a coastal
setting and seem harmless, if they are left to their own devices
they can spread quickly into neighbouring beaches and
coastal cliffs. Weeds spread naturally but also with human
activities – weeds at the beach often come from urban
gardens in other parts of the country.
Many groups on the Coromandel have been battling bushy
asparagus (Asparagus densiflorus). Originally from South
Africa, bushy asparagus forms dense patches smothering
shrubs and other low dune vegetation. It has long-lived
tubers that re-sprout and the seeds are widely distributed
by birds. At Rings, Kuaotunu and Tairua, beachcare groups
and contractors have weed removal programmes in place
trialing different methods. The areas are being planted
with natives after the weeds are destroyed in an effort to
keep weeds from re-establishing.
Vehicles also compact the sand and soils which changes
the conditions needed for sand binding grasses to grow.
For example, compaction can increase soil density,
temperature and wind speed close to the ground.
The loss of plant cover, as well as the physical changes to
the sands and soils, makes dunes more vulnerable to wind
erosion and ‘blow-outs’ – where the dune gives way and
sand is blown inland. Driving on dunes can also change
the profile or shape of the dunes, creating wind funnels
and making the dunes more vulnerable to erosion during
storm events.
There are now more plant species from other countries
growing wild in New Zealand than our own native plant
species. Over 75 per cent of the weeds that impact on our
native plant and animal species were originally introduced
to New Zealand as garden plants. Around Auckland alone
there are four garden species that establish in the wild every
year, adding to the more than 300 seriously invasive weeds
managed by the Department of Conservation.
In a beach environment, weeds can smother shrubs on the
back dunes as well as grow over into the dunes, affecting
native sand binders and changing growing conditions. Along
coastal cliffs, weeds become very difficult and costly to control
because they are hard to get to.
If you are gardening over summer at the bach, please remove
or control weedy plants. Call 0800 BIOSEC (246 732), or
check www.weedbusters.org.nz for the best method of disposal
for the weeds you remove.
Many beachcare groups are tackling weed issues. The site above is a trial
weed eradication area at Rings beach. Photo: J Dahm.
Pets and pests at the beach over
summer
There are numerous community members on the
Coromandel working hard with Environment Waikato,
Department of Conservation and other agencies to look
after important New Zealand species such as kiwi, the
endangered New Zealand dotterel and remaining coastal
forest areas. Birds such as the kiwi and dotterel are very
vulnerable to dogs, cats and mustelids (stoats and ferrets).
If you take your pet with you
to the beach this summer,
please don’t let it roam.
Common garden plants such as gazanias, arcticos and agapanthus can
become weeds in a beach environment. Photo: J Dahm.
Weedbusters
Weedbusters focus on plants that affect
our environment, economy and health.
If you need to identify a plant that you
think might be a weed, visit
www.weedbusters.org.nz and click on
‘weed information’.
You can type in the weed and it will give you a description,
any similar looking species, why it’s weedy, how it spreads
and how to get rid of it.
Iain Baggaley at EcoBalance
is contracted to Environment
Waikato to provide technical
advice on animal pest
issues on the Coromandel
Peninsula. You can talk to Iain
about setting up pest control
programmes and getting rid
of possums, rabbits or other
critters on your property.
Iain also has a range of
equipment for sale or on a
loan basis.
Vehicle use causes conflict between
beach users
The police are called out to incidents involving vehicles on
beaches every year. Some drivers do not consider other beach
goers and use the beach like a race track. Earlier this year a
motorcycle leaping a sand dune at Port Waikato nearly
crashed down on top of a 7 year old girl playing with her
friends. There have also been several incidents at Ruapuke
on the west coast – including a collision where riders suffered
facial and leg injuries and were airlifted off the beach. The
number of incidents increases with the summer season as
more people are at the beach.
Massive dune blow out at Port Waikato, 1993. Photo: Environment Waikato.
Vehicle impacts on wildlife
Vehicles can disturb and destroy wildlife (such as nesting
birds and shellfish) and introduce weeds and pests to
beach environments.
Motor cyclist driving through dunes at Karioitahi, west coast. Vehicles are one
of the main causes of conflicts between beach users on the west coast.
Photo: Environment Waikato.
Species that live or feed in the direct path of vehicles are
more vulnerable, such as nesting birds or skinks. Some
species of shellfish may be able to withstand vehicle impact
if they are buried in compacted sands (those closest to the
sea). However, after a vehicle has driven in these areas,
the beach sand is semi liquefied and shellfish can float to
the surface. This makes them more vulnerable to predators
(such as gulls).
Sand dunes, as well as any beach area where there are
important species such as dotterels or young shellfish, are
particularly fragile to vehicle use.
Barrier built by Waikato District Council at Ruapuke earlier this year to stop
vehicle access to this part of the beach. Photo: Environment Waikato.
If you’re taking a vehicle to the beach, please keep off the
dunes. Use only marked access points, keep your speed down
and keep well away from pedestrians and wildlife.
Pingao is very palatable to
rabbits and plants can be easily
destroyed by browsing.
If you see anyone driving dangerously at the beach, please
report it to the police and provide a description of the vehicle.
On the west coast the team at EcoFx have a wealth of
information and resources you can tap in to.
For all of your biosecurity enquiries, please phone
0800 BIOSEC (246 732).
Several Coromandel beaches are home to the endangered New Zealand
dotterel. Beaches in the Waikato are home to many species of bird, insect
and shellfish, some of which are rare and endangered.
Photo: Coastline Consultants.
Weeds sprouting into summer
Beachcare battling weeds…
Are there any plants in your garden that might be having a
harmful impact on the dune or neighbouring forest
environment? Common garden plants that have become
weeds at Waikato beaches include succulents, flowering
daisies and palms. Whilst they may be beautiful in a coastal
setting and seem harmless, if they are left to their own devices
they can spread quickly into neighbouring beaches and
coastal cliffs. Weeds spread naturally but also with human
activities – weeds at the beach often come from urban
gardens in other parts of the country.
Many groups on the Coromandel have been battling bushy
asparagus (Asparagus densiflorus). Originally from South
Africa, bushy asparagus forms dense patches smothering
shrubs and other low dune vegetation. It has long-lived
tubers that re-sprout and the seeds are widely distributed
by birds. At Rings, Kuaotunu and Tairua, beachcare groups
and contractors have weed removal programmes in place
trialing different methods. The areas are being planted
with natives after the weeds are destroyed in an effort to
keep weeds from re-establishing.
Vehicles also compact the sand and soils which changes
the conditions needed for sand binding grasses to grow.
For example, compaction can increase soil density,
temperature and wind speed close to the ground.
The loss of plant cover, as well as the physical changes to
the sands and soils, makes dunes more vulnerable to wind
erosion and ‘blow-outs’ – where the dune gives way and
sand is blown inland. Driving on dunes can also change
the profile or shape of the dunes, creating wind funnels
and making the dunes more vulnerable to erosion during
storm events.
There are now more plant species from other countries
growing wild in New Zealand than our own native plant
species. Over 75 per cent of the weeds that impact on our
native plant and animal species were originally introduced
to New Zealand as garden plants. Around Auckland alone
there are four garden species that establish in the wild every
year, adding to the more than 300 seriously invasive weeds
managed by the Department of Conservation.
In a beach environment, weeds can smother shrubs on the
back dunes as well as grow over into the dunes, affecting
native sand binders and changing growing conditions. Along
coastal cliffs, weeds become very difficult and costly to control
because they are hard to get to.
If you are gardening over summer at the bach, please remove
or control weedy plants. Call 0800 BIOSEC (246 732), or
check www.weedbusters.org.nz for the best method of disposal
for the weeds you remove.
Many beachcare groups are tackling weed issues. The site above is a trial
weed eradication area at Rings beach. Photo: J Dahm.
Pets and pests at the beach over
summer
There are numerous community members on the
Coromandel working hard with Environment Waikato,
Department of Conservation and other agencies to look
after important New Zealand species such as kiwi, the
endangered New Zealand dotterel and remaining coastal
forest areas. Birds such as the kiwi and dotterel are very
vulnerable to dogs, cats and mustelids (stoats and ferrets).
If you take your pet with you
to the beach this summer,
please don’t let it roam.
Common garden plants such as gazanias, arcticos and agapanthus can
become weeds in a beach environment. Photo: J Dahm.
Weedbusters
Weedbusters focus on plants that affect
our environment, economy and health.
If you need to identify a plant that you
think might be a weed, visit
www.weedbusters.org.nz and click on
‘weed information’.
You can type in the weed and it will give you a description,
any similar looking species, why it’s weedy, how it spreads
and how to get rid of it.
Iain Baggaley at EcoBalance
is contracted to Environment
Waikato to provide technical
advice on animal pest
issues on the Coromandel
Peninsula. You can talk to Iain
about setting up pest control
programmes and getting rid
of possums, rabbits or other
critters on your property.
Iain also has a range of
equipment for sale or on a
loan basis.
Vehicle use causes conflict between
beach users
The police are called out to incidents involving vehicles on
beaches every year. Some drivers do not consider other beach
goers and use the beach like a race track. Earlier this year a
motorcycle leaping a sand dune at Port Waikato nearly
crashed down on top of a 7 year old girl playing with her
friends. There have also been several incidents at Ruapuke
on the west coast – including a collision where riders suffered
facial and leg injuries and were airlifted off the beach. The
number of incidents increases with the summer season as
more people are at the beach.
Massive dune blow out at Port Waikato, 1993. Photo: Environment Waikato.
Vehicle impacts on wildlife
Vehicles can disturb and destroy wildlife (such as nesting
birds and shellfish) and introduce weeds and pests to
beach environments.
Motor cyclist driving through dunes at Karioitahi, west coast. Vehicles are one
of the main causes of conflicts between beach users on the west coast.
Photo: Environment Waikato.
Species that live or feed in the direct path of vehicles are
more vulnerable, such as nesting birds or skinks. Some
species of shellfish may be able to withstand vehicle impact
if they are buried in compacted sands (those closest to the
sea). However, after a vehicle has driven in these areas,
the beach sand is semi liquefied and shellfish can float to
the surface. This makes them more vulnerable to predators
(such as gulls).
Sand dunes, as well as any beach area where there are
important species such as dotterels or young shellfish, are
particularly fragile to vehicle use.
Barrier built by Waikato District Council at Ruapuke earlier this year to stop
vehicle access to this part of the beach. Photo: Environment Waikato.
If you’re taking a vehicle to the beach, please keep off the
dunes. Use only marked access points, keep your speed down
and keep well away from pedestrians and wildlife.
Pingao is very palatable to
rabbits and plants can be easily
destroyed by browsing.
If you see anyone driving dangerously at the beach, please
report it to the police and provide a description of the vehicle.
On the west coast the team at EcoFx have a wealth of
information and resources you can tap in to.
For all of your biosecurity enquiries, please phone
0800 BIOSEC (246 732).
Several Coromandel beaches are home to the endangered New Zealand
dotterel. Beaches in the Waikato are home to many species of bird, insect
and shellfish, some of which are rare and endangered.
Photo: Coastline Consultants.
!
s
d
i
Hi k
Vehicles and dunes don’t mix
Dunes - why do we need them?
Sand dunes are a natural buffer between land and sea. During storms, the waves breaking on the beach move sand from
the dunes out to sea to form a bar or pile of submerged sand. This bar changes the wave action, effectively making waves
break earlier which lessens the impact of the waves onshore. In calmer weather the sand is carried back onshore by the
waves to rebuild the beach. The greater the width of the dunes, the greater the reservoir of sand available to protect against
storm waves.
Crossword – at the beach
How do dunes build and rebuild after storms?
Frontal dunes (those closest to the sea) are formed when dry sand is blown up the beach and trapped by native sand binding
plants. The long leaves slow the wind speed near the ground causing wind blown sand to drop. The plants then grow
through the sand protecting it from being blown away. Dunes naturally build up above the height of where the waves break
on the beach – becoming a natural barrier. Dunes can erode very quickly but building them back up is a slower process.
1
2
Any activity that damages these important plants can stop the dunes rebuilding and can lead to increased erosion.
3
4
5
7
6
8
Some plants are better than others for trapping or ‘binding sand’.
In New Zealand the best plants are our native sand binders
spinifex (Spinifex sericeus) and pingao (Desmoschoenus spiralis)
which are naturally adapted to dune environments. These unique
plants can cope with salt spray, being buried or undermined, low
moisture and nutrient levels, extreme temperatures and living in
loose sand. Photo: Coastline Consultants.
9
10
Driving through dunes can destroy vegetation which makes the
dunes more prone to erosion, Karioitahi Beach Waikato west coast.
Photo: Coastline Consultants.
Damage to vegetation is caused by two and four wheel drive
vehicles. Photo: Franklin District Council.
Across
1 Wear this so you don’t get burnt!
3 Catch your own dinner by doing this.
5 Make a castle with it.
6 A popular season for beachgoers!
7 You can go sailing on one.
9 Protect your eyes from the sun with these.
10 A break from school.
Down
1 You need a board to do this.
2 The name of a sea creature.
4 A yummy summer treat!
7 You can spend all day at one.
8 Swim in between them to keep safe.
What will beachcare groups be doing
over summer?
Restoring and
reshaping dunes
The 2007 beachcare winter and spring planting season has
finished.
One of the challenges for beachcare groups is dealing
with the decisions that were made decades ago. An
example of this is that many of our beaches were
developed without regard to the importance of our dune
environments.
Congratulations and thanks to the volunteers who have
completed the work. Would you believe that your time with
a spade or trowel has contributed towards about 40,000
natives being planted around the region?
As a result, subdivisions were often placed too close to
the sea (worst case examples) and properties ended up
being overwhelmed by ocean waves! This has happened
around New Zealand, for example Omaha, Ohope, and
Mokau.
The species planted included two native sand binders
(spinifex and pingao), as well as many backdune plants like
karo, flax and muehlenbeckia.
In other places, original sand dunes were bulldozed for
views or to create grass reserves. Along with the loss of
biodiversity and natural character values this process
had caused, the development often pushed forward
towards the sea to create wider reserves or roads.
Leading up to Christmas, many beachcare groups are out
and about making sure the access ways are safe, fences are
maintained, signage is out and plants are protected in time
for the busy holiday season.
Beachcare members will no doubt be keeping an eye on
how their work stands up to the Christmas rush and the
seasonal storms. The groups first get-togethers in the New
Year almost always raise questions like, ‘how did the access
ways cope with the number of people this year’ and ‘how
did the plants and dunes cope with summer storms?’
Machines were used to remove the clay cap seen at the top of this dune.
Grass growing down the dune was also removed.
Photo: Coastline Consultants.
Paunaui Beach is a good example of this type of
development method. The wide, flat, clay topped
reserve in front of the houses replaced the natural dune
system, and also created an artificial steep bank on the
foreshore along most of the beachfront.
Whangamata Beachcare planting the northern end of the beach
in June 2007. Photo: Coastline Consultants.
However, over the last five years or so, the dedicated
volunteers of Paunaui Beachcare have been working with
Thames-Coromandel District Council, Tairua-Pauanui
Community Board and Environment Waikato to reshape
and replant the foredune.
This has involved the use of machines to remove the
thick clay cap from the top of the bank (leaving only
clean beach) and regrading the slope suitable for native
sand binding plants. This was done in sections and as
each one was completed, the beachcare volunteers
planted.
Pauanui Beach before the 2006 reshaping.
Photo: Coastline Consultants.
The results have been spectacular! Over 500 metres of
the beach have now been restored using this method.
The beach shape and character is more natural and the
dunes have become a more effective buffer for storms.
If you visit Pauanui over the summer you’ll see the great
amount of work beachcare volunteers have put in – so
that everyone can enjoy the beach!
Pauanui Beach after the 2006 reshaping.
Photo: Coastline Consultants.
A temporary fence has been built to guide people at Onemana to the
beach and make sure dune plants are protected. In time, the fence will be
taken down and people will be guided towards signed access ways.
Photo: J Dahm.
A busy working bee at Kiritehere beach (west coast).
Photo: Coastline Consultants.
What will beachcare groups be doing
over summer?
Restoring and
reshaping dunes
The 2007 beachcare winter and spring planting season has
finished.
One of the challenges for beachcare groups is dealing
with the decisions that were made decades ago. An
example of this is that many of our beaches were
developed without regard to the importance of our dune
environments.
Congratulations and thanks to the volunteers who have
completed the work. Would you believe that your time with
a spade or trowel has contributed towards about 40,000
natives being planted around the region?
As a result, subdivisions were often placed too close to
the sea (worst case examples) and properties ended up
being overwhelmed by ocean waves! This has happened
around New Zealand, for example Omaha, Ohope, and
Mokau.
The species planted included two native sand binders
(spinifex and pingao), as well as many backdune plants like
karo, flax and muehlenbeckia.
In other places, original sand dunes were bulldozed for
views or to create grass reserves. Along with the loss of
biodiversity and natural character values this process
had caused, the development often pushed forward
towards the sea to create wider reserves or roads.
Leading up to Christmas, many beachcare groups are out
and about making sure the access ways are safe, fences are
maintained, signage is out and plants are protected in time
for the busy holiday season.
Beachcare members will no doubt be keeping an eye on
how their work stands up to the Christmas rush and the
seasonal storms. The groups first get-togethers in the New
Year almost always raise questions like, ‘how did the access
ways cope with the number of people this year’ and ‘how
did the plants and dunes cope with summer storms?’
Machines were used to remove the clay cap seen at the top of this dune.
Grass growing down the dune was also removed.
Photo: Coastline Consultants.
Paunaui Beach is a good example of this type of
development method. The wide, flat, clay topped
reserve in front of the houses replaced the natural dune
system, and also created an artificial steep bank on the
foreshore along most of the beachfront.
Whangamata Beachcare planting the northern end of the beach
in June 2007. Photo: Coastline Consultants.
However, over the last five years or so, the dedicated
volunteers of Paunaui Beachcare have been working with
Thames-Coromandel District Council, Tairua-Pauanui
Community Board and Environment Waikato to reshape
and replant the foredune.
This has involved the use of machines to remove the
thick clay cap from the top of the bank (leaving only
clean beach) and regrading the slope suitable for native
sand binding plants. This was done in sections and as
each one was completed, the beachcare volunteers
planted.
Pauanui Beach before the 2006 reshaping.
Photo: Coastline Consultants.
The results have been spectacular! Over 500 metres of
the beach have now been restored using this method.
The beach shape and character is more natural and the
dunes have become a more effective buffer for storms.
If you visit Pauanui over the summer you’ll see the great
amount of work beachcare volunteers have put in – so
that everyone can enjoy the beach!
Pauanui Beach after the 2006 reshaping.
Photo: Coastline Consultants.
A temporary fence has been built to guide people at Onemana to the
beach and make sure dune plants are protected. In time, the fence will be
taken down and people will be guided towards signed access ways.
Photo: J Dahm.
A busy working bee at Kiritehere beach (west coast).
Photo: Coastline Consultants.
Dune Restoration Trust
Beachcare contacts
The Dune Restoration Trust of New Zealand (formally Coastal
Dune Vegetation Network) is a non-profit charitable trust that
carries out research on restoring New Zealand sand dunes.
Sam Stephens
Coastal Community Facilitator
Phone: Environment Waikato’s freephone 0800 800 401
Email: [email protected]
Recent research has focused on best practices for reshaping
and replanting dunes. Research results are available to their
wide network of members through the web, newsletters and
publications.
Harley Spence
Beachcare coordinator
Phone: 027 278 5646
For more information on how to join the trust and to get the
latest newsletter, visit www.dunestrust.org.nz or email
[email protected].
Jim Dahm
Beachcare coordinator
Phone: (07) 868 2315
Issue 8 - Summer 2007
Onemana Beachcare takes off!
The region’s newest beachcare group has rocketed into action with phenomenal community support. In less than one year,
restoration planting has been completed over a large area of the dunes, with over 5000 native dune plants.
The group’s first working bee was Labour weekend 2006 and there was a record turn-out. Over 80 locals showed up, the largest
working bee on the eastern Coromandel in 15 years of beachcare! There have been four working bees since and with great
support at each.
Our beaches are worth
taking care of!
Useful contacts
The group have not only focused on restoring a good cover of spinifex and pingao on the frontal dune, but also undertaken
extensive backdune plantings using native ground cover pohuehue, native sand tussock (hinarepe) and native dune rush
(commonly known as knobby club rush or wiwi).
Environment Waikato
0800 800 401
Beach accessways across the dune have been better defined using temporary rope and warratah fences and signage to ensure
people use these rather than walk over the dune.
The Waikato region has around 1,150 kilometres of stunning
coastline and estuarine shores – a paradise for fishing,
swimming, nature watching, kite surfing, surfing, boating and
family activities.
Biodiversity Advice Waikato
0800 246 348
This is a vast contrast to many places around the world where
there are high density populations, pollution and structures
restricting access to the beach.
The work that beachcare, coastal communities and other
agencies do is essential to looking after what we’ve got!
The driving force, local coordinator Barry Turk, is thrilled with the progress and the strong community support to date.
Environment Waikato and Thames-Coromandel District Council provide the group with native dune species and other materials,
as well as technical support and advice. Environment Waikato beachcare contractors and local Thames-Coromandel District
Council reserve management staff note that the community has made more progress in one year than what can be expected in
four to five years!
Weedbusters
www.weedbusters.org.nz
Surf lifesaving
message
New Zealand Surf Life Saving Association
www.surflifesaving.org.nz
Dune Restoration Trust
www.dunestrust.org.nz
Biosecurity enquiries
Environment Waikato Biosecurity
0800 BIOSEC (0800 246 732)
From Labour Weekend to Easter (during the weekends) surf
lifeguards patrol New Zealand’s busiest beaches. During the
school holiday summer period, patrols are extended to seven
days a week.
Last summer surf lifeguards saved 1,440 lives throughout
New Zealand and nearly all of these rescues took place
outside the flags.
EcoFx
West coastline
Phone: (07) 873 8130
Email: [email protected]
More information
Remember three simple rules:
• swim between the flags
• always apply sunscreen – before you go out and after
you’ve been in the water
• be safe around rocks – never turn your back on the sea.
For more information on coastal issues in the region,
check out Environment Waikato’s website www.ew.govt.nz.
If you see someone in trouble alert local lifeguards
or call 111.
Right: A summer’s day on the Korean South coast. Photo:www.neatorama.com.
Environment Waikato’s freephone 0800 800 401
www.ew.govt.nz
Did you know that over 2.3 million New Zealanders went to
the beach last year?
Surf lifeguards use red and yellow flags to show the safest
place to swim. During the day the flags may be moved as
wind, tide or surf conditions change – always check where
they are.
Iain Baggaley – Ecobalance
Coromandel Peninsula/east coast
Phone: (07) 865 6432
Email: [email protected]
Left: A summer’s day in January at Whangamata, one of the most popular
Waikato beaches.
Take care over summer
807-10/07