5

Beachcare groupsin the Waikato region - Coromandel

OnemanaLed by local Barry Turk, 2010 saw Onemana

Beachcare cap off five years of phenomenal

dune restoration breaking all kinds of records

in the process.

It all started early in 2005/06 when Barry

became aware of the need for dune

restoration at Onemana after walking the

beach with his landscape architect son, who

pointed out various issues to him. For most

of us, that would be just a nice walk and an

interesting conversation – but Barry believes

in addressing issues! Within a few weeks,

various conversations and meetings had been

held with the councils and by May 2006 a

large, well-attended community meeting saw

the launch of Onemana Beachcare. The short

time taken for launch of a new group was a

record and more were to come.

Barry and colleagues worked up restoration

plans with Environment Waikato Beachcare

scientist Jim Dahm, who estimated there

was a good 10-15 years work ahead of the

community based on his experience at

other sites over the previous 12 years. Barry

estimated 3-5 years. Barry was to be right!

The next Beachcare record to fall was

attendance, with over 80 Onemana folk

showing up for the first Labour weekend

Whangamata Beachcare group relaxing after a busy morning planting. Onemana, before the Onemana Beachcare group was formed.

in the Waikato region - Coromandel

working bee in 2006. That record lasted only

until the following Labour weekend when 85

people showed up. The 2,000 plants were

planted in less than an hour – you guessed

it, another new record. The attendance

record was beaten again on the 2008 Labour

weekend, when over 90 people showed up.

In the years from 2007-2009, Onemana

averaged anything from six to ten working

bees a year – well and truly a new Beachcare

record! They also planted over 8,000 plants

in their best year and over 30,000 plants in

total, both new records. By the end of 2009,

Barry’s regulars were probably wondering if

Onemana, after four years of Beachcare planting. Photo: Barry Turk.

6

they were ever going to see another day’s fishing

or golf when he announced, to their relief, that the

job was ‘mostly’ done! That was to mean ‘only’ five

working bees in 2010. Overall, the work has so far

involved 1200-1500 hours of community volunteer

labour.

The result is one of the best dune restoration

efforts completed to date, with total spinifex

cover restored on the frontal dune, and a good

subcomponent of the culturally significant pingao

also restored (despite the best attempts of local

rabbits, which Barry regularly arranges to have

dispatched).

This zone is in turn backed by a wide band of the

native knobby club-rush where only two to three

isolated bushes existed previously and, at the

southern end, a huge area of native pohuehue has

replaced grass and weeds. These areas will thicken

up over the years ahead and become increasingly

spectacular. Pohuehue and the knobby club-rush

provide critically important habitat for various

native fauna including the native copper butterfly

and skinks. It is expected these native species will

increasingly put in an appearance as the vegetation

thickens up. Weeds are being kept in check while

the native vegetation establishes.

Biodiversity has also been well served with

restoration of a wide range of other native dune

species, including the beautiful orange tinted

Carex testacea, large numbers of the native sand

tussock (regarded by dune ecologists as one of the

hard plants to get going), the native celery, sand

coprosma, Cook’s scurvy grass and various others.

In addition, a mish-mash of access ways across

the dunes has been replaced by four well-defined

access ways to protect the restored vegetation.

These were initially fenced for the first two to three

years but the level of respect for the community

restoration meant the fences were no longer

needed and so were removed to restore natural

character. One of the access ways has even been

upgraded to facilitate kayaks and boats to be towed

down to the beach. Beach users show a high level

of respect for the restoration work with most using

the access way and almost no-one cutting across

the vegetated dunes.

Cultural sites have also benefitted, with middens

that were being damaged and destroyed by wind

erosion carefully buried with fresh sand which was

then planted. The sites are now safely buried.

All up, a phenomenal outcome! Well done Barry

Turk and Onemana Beachcare, a great individual

and community effort.Recent view over restored dunes showing knobby clubrush (foreground), spinifex (middle ground) and

large area of pohuehue (distance).

One of many Onemana working bees (this one 2008).

Wiwi provides a good barrier between the dune and the grassed reserve.

7

WhangamataIn 2009 there were three separate working

bees, with Whangamata Beachcare members

planting more than 4,000 native dune plants.

Trial planting areas were established at two

sites along Otahu Beach where a serious

invasion of exotic species was dominating the

native vegetation.

This work was followed up in 2010 with four

working bees during the year – in April,

May, June and July, with a good turn-out to

all occasions. The working bees focused on

establishing a demonstration planting trial

area on the rear of the frontal dune along

Otahu Beach. Once complete the trial sites

will be used to demonstrate the natural

dune vegetation sequence and will provide

a marked contrast with other dune areas

seriously invaded with garden and other

weeds.

In addition, various beachfront owners

undertook further native planting on the

dunes in front of their homes. Overall, some

3,000 plants were established in a very

difficult planting environment.Beachcare volunteers discussing plan of action

prior to July working bee.

Beachcare volunteers enjoy a well deserved barbeque and chat after another successful working bee. These barbeques are a feature of the work at

Whangamata.

Demonstration trial area after weed removal.

WhiritoaBeachcare at Whiritoa had been quiet for a few years,

however, in 2009 planning began and a preliminary inspection

of the beach was undertaken with local Beachcare coordinator

Lamina Hutchinson and various supporters.

The priorities identified for Whiritoa Beachcare included

frontal dune planting, management of significant and

escalating issues with garden plants and coastal wattle (acacia

sophorae) on the frontal dune, and various access way and

signage upgrades.

This planning work was followed up in 2010 with two well-

attended working bees. During the first in May, 1000 pingao

plants were planted near the surf club, while during the

second working bee in September volunteers undertook a trial

weed clearance and planting of about 900 plants on the rear

side of the frontal dune near the seaward end of Tuna Place.

The group also placed new Beachcare signs along the beach.

For 2011 Whiritoa’s agreed priorities include a major dune

reshape and planting on the southern side of the surf club,

combined with a new beach access in this area, further

Beachcare signage and removal of the coastal wattle.

A general upgrade of all beach access ways will also be

undertaken, as required. It’s encouraging that some access

ways built by Beachcare in 1993 continue to be used, even

where railings have been lost and the old fence half-buried.

In 2011, work will continue on the

demonstration trial and a second trial will be

established along the main beach just north

of the Esplanade – a very high use and high

profile area. There will also be some ongoing

work on spinifex and pingao planting on the

seaward side of the frontal dune in localised

areas.

This shot shows escalating problems with garden plants on frontal dune invading into the spinifex zone in places. The September 2010 working bee was a small trial addressing

these issues.

Beachcare access way at Whiritoa built in 1993/94. The success in protecting dune vegetation and encouraging sand build-up are very evident.

8

TairuaTairua Beachcare members put in a huge effort in 2009 restoring the

foredune from north of the surf club to the southern end of the beach,

planting approximately 4,000 native dune plants. Spraying was also

undertaken to treat ongoing weed recovery in the restored area. A good

cover of spinifex has now been restored, though ongoing work is still

required to complete the native vegetation sequence.

Work at Tairua during 2010 focused on issues with garden escapees

and exotic weeds, especially agapanthus. The work included field

inspections with Thames-Coromandel District Ccouncil staff and

meetings and liaison with local landowners to discuss the issue. Work

will continue in 2011 and it is hoped that agreement can be reached

with landowners to prevent further planting of agapanthus on the

dune reserve. Clearance of this aggressive weed will also continue from

these dunes, some of which are among the best remnant back dune

vegetation on the eastern Coromandel.

In addition, work has continued with a landowner at the south end of

the beach in regard to dune restoration on public and private land. It

is likely this work will be designed and implemented in 2011, largely

completing the restoration of the dunes south of the surf club. Tairua foredune showing good progress.

PauanuiPauanui Beachcare members continued their dune restoration efforts with further dune reshaping and planting of spinifex and pingao in 2009.

Over the last eight years, a spinifex and pingao dominated dune face has been restored along most of the length of the beach in stages – a major

achievement! This cover of native dune vegetation will ensure maximum natural dune repair between erosion cycles. Like many Coromandel beaches,

the Pauanui foredune experienced erosion during 2009 which damaged access ways and narrowed the width of spinifex zone in places. Thankfully

the cover of spinifex and pingao will allow the beach to trap sand and rebuild the dunes, however the access ways will require work.

Cooks BeachSmall plantings of spinifex and pingao have been conducted for several

years at Cooks Beach by beachfront owners using plants supplied by

Beachcare. However, in 2010 the dune restoration work at this site

considerably expanded, with formation of a Beachcare dune restoration

trial at the eastern end of the beach and establishment of a group

focused on removal of invasive exotic weeds from dunes at the western

end.

Work on the dune restoration demonstration trial at the eastern end

of the beach commenced with removal of exotic vegetation from

the frontal dune through by spraying, followed up with mechanical

removal. Planting of native sand binding species, spinifex and pingao

was then undertaken by local beachfront owners who support the

dune restoration work. Work on the area immediately landward will

commence in 2011 – this area is presently characterised by dense

coverage of exotic species, including agapanthus.

The group focusing on clearing of invasive exotic species also

commenced work in late 2010 under the guidance of Environment

Waikato biosecurity and Thames-Coromandel District Council staff, with

significant clearance of blue pea undertaken. The issues with invasive

species at Cooks Beach highlight the problems that can arise with

garden escapees – these are probably the single biggest problem on

Coromandel dunes.Cooks trial before: Site of demonstration trial – before commencement of work.

Shows badly degraded nature of site with virtually no native sand binding species and vegetation by exotic grasses and weeds.

9

WharekahoWharekaho Beach (aka Simpsons Beach) is a new area for Beachcare,

with work only commencing at this site in 2009 to restore native

spinifex and pingao on the seaward dune face, as well as restore native

dune species in areas further landward.

In 2010, work continued with the spraying and mechanical clearance of

exotic vegetation from the seaward dune face and planting of spinifex

and pingao. The work on the seaward dune face in this area will be

completed in 2011.

The back dune areas are more complex as they are heavily infested

with exotic vegetation. To date, work has focused on spraying areas

Dune face at Wharekaho Beach (southern end ofJoseph Road) in 2009 before restoration work.

Photo of the same dune face south of Joseph Road in late 2010 after restoration (note – exotic grasses re-invading at top of profile to be sprayed in autumn).

Photo showing restored spinifex zone (left of centre) and adjacent back-dune area dominated by exotic species including hares tail (in flower at time of

photo), arctotis/gazanias and exotic grasses.

Trial plot of Muehlenbeckia complexa at Wharekaho Beach – in early 2010 about eight months after planting.

of exotic vegetation and establishing small trial plots of native back

dune species. These trials will help determine the best combination of

species for restoration of this area.

A feature of the work here is the relationship with the private

landowner. There is no council reserve in this area with private title

extending to high tide so the dune restoration work is being conducted

entirely on private land. The owner bought the land to protect the

natural character of the area and the current work will, over time,

significantly enhance natural values.

10

Kuaotunu westKuaotunu west beach has suffered from

historic sand mining which reduced sand

volumes on the beach and led to serious

erosion of the dune face, exposing ancient

weathered sands and old cultural deposits.

Several attempts have been made to restore

sand binding species on the dune face and

there has been some success along the

seaward toe.

However, the reshaping required for more

extensive restoration is not practical in

many areas as it would destroy older cultural

deposits along the top edge of the eroded

dune face.

Historically, focus has therefore been given

to restoration of trees and shrubs on the

landward side of the dune, immediately

west of Pitoone Stream. This area is now

extensively covered with native vegetation

and in recent years targeted spraying has also

been undertaken to reduce invasive perennial

grasses which had extensively invaded the

native dune ground cover.

In 2010, focus has returned to the seaward

face of the frontal dune, with reshaping and

planting of a badly damaged area where

cultural deposits do not occur. This restoration

work was also accompanied by installation

of a beach access way to facilitate use of an

adjacent grassed reserve and protect the new

plantings.

Kuaotunu eastHistorically, native dune vegetation has been restricted by large macrocarpa trees on the frontal

dune and by the invasion of a range of exotic species. However, restoration work at this site

has gained renewed focus over the last two years due to increased community interest and

involvement.

In 2009, significant reshaping and planting was conducted around the seaward end of Davis

Road, including removal of a macrocarpa tree that had been partially undermined by the serious

coastal erosion in July and August 2008. This work successfully restored a wide spinifex vegetated

zone on the frontal dune and also undertook other native plantings further landward.

In 2010, work was extended significantly with dune reshaping and planting to the immediate east

of the Kuaotunu Stream entrance. This was followed by extensive planting of spinifex and various

secondary dune species, extending the area restored in 2009 by over 100 metres eastward.

Prior to the planting of native dune species, restoration areas were extensively sprayed to

eliminate exotic weed cover, followed by mechanical weed removal and reshaping. The areas

were then planted by well-attended community working bees conducted in September 2010. A

total of 3,600 native dune plants were planted at the Kuaotunu sites.

The area of focus in 2010 prior to restoration. The area seaward of the fence line was subsequently

sprayed and then mechanically cleared of the exotic perennial grasses, followed by planting and

installation of an access way.

Before restoration work.

After – new vegetation looking healthy.

11

Rings BeachAt Rings Beach, the primary focus continues to be the restoration of spinifex and pingao along

the seaward dune face and planting of secondary dune species further landward. There is also

an ongoing focus on the control of woody asparagus, though at best the situation is just being

held. This serious invasive weed is likely to require more focused attention by the council, as it is

beyond the resources of the group to control this aggressive species. Unfortunately, the species

has now been found at several other sites along the eastern Coromandel and is likely to become

an increasingly serious invasive weed on dunes in coming years.

An inspection of the beach was conducted early in 2010 with Beachcare group members. It was

decided to focus on plantings of spinifex in this area as well as continued removal of ice plant

and perennial exotic grasses from the seaward face. Spraying was undertaken followed by a

planting working bee over Queen’s Birthday weekend. The planting also continued the gradual

establishment of knobby club rush in the area landward of the spinifex zone. Total plantings in

2010 were approximately 1,500 plants.

MatarangiThe frontal dune at the southern end of

Matarangi Beach was severely eroded

in July and August 2008. The natural

character of the beach in this area has

also been severely degraded due to the

vegetation cover being dominated by

exotic weeds and garden plants rather

than the original native species.

The main focus of work at Matarangi

to date has been a demonstration trial

involving clearance of exotic vegetation

and the planting of natives over a 100

metre stretch near the centre of the

degraded dune area. The work involved

spraying, followed some weeks later by

mechanical vegetation clearance and

then planting.

Unfortunately, the planting of the

trial site was delayed following the

mechanical clearance. Strong winds

with no rain (a rare event) occurred

during this period, resulting in sand

being blown up onto the reserve

and private properties immediately

landward. The sand was cleared from

the properties and a wind break fence

established to prevent a recurrence of

this issue.

The planting of the trial area was

successfully completed in August

working bees and a follow-up weed

clearance undertaken late in the year.

The wind break fence will need to be

removed as the plants establish or else

it will starve the plants of sand and

nutrients and affect the planting. In

total, there were approximately 4,000

plantings at Matarangi in 2010.

OpitoBeachcare work commenced at Opito Bay

in 2010 with focus on the dunes to the

immediate west of Waitaha Stream near

Skippers Road. The spinifex on the seaward

dune face in this area was badly damaged

due to pedestrian and recreational use.

In response to concerns from locals, a

working bee was organised in Opito Bay over

Queens Birthday weekend to replant this

area. The first ever Beachcare working bee

was well attended and the dune face was fully

planted with 1,000 spinifex.

Planting working bee at Opito Bay.

Badly damaged dune area prior to planting.

Bushy asparagus. Photo: Auckland Council.

Area of Matarangi restoration four months after planting.

Erosion in 2008 led to the spinifex zone beingremoved, leaving a dune dominated by exotic

weeds and garden vegetation.

Early 2010 at Matarangi before dune restoration.

12

WhangapouaIn 2010 work at Whangapoua continued focusing on the restoration of

spinifex and pingao on the frontal dune over the southern half of the

beach.

The dune was severely eroded in July and August 2008, threatening a

number of houses. Beach scraping work was undertaken to restore the

eroded frontal dune in late 2008, funded by the owners and Thames-

Coromandel District Council. This restored dune has been progressively

replanted in 2009 and 2010 with sand binding grasses.

In addition, back dune planting was continued in various areas along

the frontal dune. The areas behind the spinifex zone are currently

Port JacksonThis site was one of the major dune restoration projects on the eastern

Coromandel in 2010, focusing on an area of badly damaged dunes

along the front of a popular public camping ground.

Two successful dune restoration trials were conducted over short

lengths in 2008 and 2009 to help confirm and refine appropriate

design for this difficult site. We had strong community support from

school and camping groups with the planting and other work. On the

basis of the two successful trials, we decided to undertake major dune

restoration along most of the remaining length of damaged dune in

2010, aiming to restore the critically important spinifex zone.

Restoration work in 2010 extended along approximately 400 metres

of beach and is the largest dune reshape and planting the Beachcare

programme has so far attempted in any one year.

dominated by a wide range of exotic weeds and garden plants and in

places these weeds are growing seaward onto the dune and narrowing

the spinifex zone.

Overall, 4,000 plants were planted in 2010 in two community working

bees and a number of localised efforts by individual property owners.

In 2011, the spinifex cover on the frontal dune will be completed and

it is also hoped that a demonstration restoration will be undertaken in

the frontal dune zone immediately landward to serve as an indication

of the natural condition of the dune and encourage similar restoration

work along the beach.

A group of community volunteers assisting with planting of the reshaped dune in August 2010.

Prior to restoration, the natural dune had been almost completely eliminated by past land use.

The 2008 trial area shows dense spinifex cover that now characterises this area, which was previously

dominated by exotic species.

The area was sprayed, the dune mechanically reshaped, and then

extensively replanted through community working bees in August 2010.

Planting of a wide range of other native species also commenced on

the landward side of the spinifex zone, further enhancing natural dune

development and biodiversity. Over 6,000 native dune plants were

planted at Port Jackson in 2010.

The major challenge over summer has been ensuring the plantings

remain well protected. Some maintenance plantings are anticipated

in 2011 and additional beach access ways and signage may need to be

installed. The work over the last three years shows significant advances

in restoration of the dune and development of strong partnerships. The

end result will be a flagship of achievement through good partnerships.

Restored Whangapoua dunes in March 2010 showing good vegetation growth. Backdune planting in 2010.

13

Beachcare groupsin the Waikato region - west coast

Group spotlight: Kawhia BeachcareKawhia’s ocean beach is a spectacular spot

on the west coast of the Waikato region,

however the health of the dunes is varied.

Some parts of the beach have healthy

spinifex dominated dunes, but there are also

large areas where the exotic marram grass

dominates. There are also smaller sections

where no dune vegetation remains at all and

‘blow-outs’ have formed as a result of wind

erosion.

Kawhia Beachcare was formed in 2010

following a public meeting held to discuss

the use of vehicles on the beach. Over 100

members of the Kawhia community attended

the meeting and gave their unanimous

support for forming a Beachcare group.

The newly formed group held their inaugural

working bee in June 2010 on a typically

stormy west coast day, focusing on planting

up a bare section of the ocean beach dunes

near the harbour entrance. By the end of

the two hour working bee, 15 dedicated

community members had planted over 3,000

dune plants covering a 50 metre length of the

beach. Planting these bare areas with native

sand binding plants will be the priority for

Kawhia Beachcare’s planting programme for

the next few years.

Another goal is to reintroduce the native

pingao to Kawhia to increase biodiversity in

the area, and for its cultural use as a weaving

resource. However, a few weeks after planting

some trial areas of pingao, it was soon

apparent that there was a local problem with

rabbits in the area, with many of the new

pingao plants being browsed upon. Beachcare

members have since sprayed the remaining

dune plants with an organic rabbit deterrent

and have been monitoring the area for any

further signs of browsing.

The inaugural working bee in June was

followed up later in 2010 with students from

local Hauturu School planting another bare

area with over 1,000 pingao, spinifex, and

wiwi plants where a blow-out had formed.

Once the dune plantings were complete for

the year, Beachcare members turned their

attention to planting the banks of the eroding

harbour margin where Maketu Marae and

the sacred Tainui waka is located. With the

help of David Bergin, one of New Zealand’s

leading coastal botanists now dubbed the

‘Pohutukawa man’ the dedicated group

planted over 1,000 native trees and shrubs in

a trial to see what species were best suited to

the job of helping stabilise the eroding bank.

Species being trialed include pohutukawa,

karo, taupata, akeake, and ngaio. All of the

native trees and shrubs were eco-sourced

from the local area and were supplied by the

local native nursery at Kawhia, Te Hine Ngaro.

Members of Kawhia Beachcare have been

learning how to monitor growth of the trees

in the trial and to maintain the planting areas

through pest plant control, a critical element

in establishing native tree plantings.

in the Waikato region - west coast

The newly-formed Kawhia Beachcare group.

Note the blow-out that has formed and the sand that is being blown in-land instead of being trapped by

dune plants.Kawhia’s Beachcare completes first planting.

Beachcare volunteers planting the Kawhia harbour margin.

14

KarioitahiDuring 2009 there was ongoing maintenance of the restored sand grass cover with planting of 1,000 spinifex and small numbers of ground covers.

No plantings were undertaken during 2010, however work will continue in 2011 on monitoring plantings and vehicle issues. Waikato District Council

has now taken over from Franklin District Council as the local authority for Karioitahi Beach and we look forward to re-establishing the Karioitahi

Beachcare group with our new partners at Waikato District Council.

Port WaikatoA series of large storms off the west coast

in July and August 2008 hit Port Waikato

hard, resulting in serious dune erosion that

threatened the Sunset beach surf life saving

club and car park. The surf life saving club was

relocated landward and the dune mechanically

reshaped to a suitable slope before being

planted with 3,000 spinifex, pingao, and wiwi

in a community working bee in 2009.

The focus in 2010 was on monitoring the

restored dune, weed control and further

plantings to continue work towards restoring a

healthy dune with a good cover of appropriate

native dune vegetation.

Students from the local kura kaupapa, Te

Kura Kaupapa o Te Puaha o Waikato, spent a

number of days working on the restored dune

area, weeding and planting further native dune

plants, providing a significant contribution

towards the project. We look forward to

continuing to work with this part of the Port

Waikato community and involving local youth

in future Port Waikato Beachcare projects.

The large dunes north of the surf-club that

were also hit hard by the large storms of

2008 now appear to be recovering naturally.

The native spinifex has begun its natural

dune recovery process by sending its long

runners down the eroded dune face, trapping

wind blown sand and re-building the dunes

seaward.

Waikato District Council is now the local

authority for Port Waikato, taking over from

Franklin District Council as a consequence

of the new Auckland Council restructuring

process.

2011 is set to be a great year for the Port

Waikato Beachcare group with new council

partners and additional parts of the

community becoming involved. Work will

continue on restoring the Sunset Beach dunes,

with an emphasis put on managing pedestrian

access to the beach to minimise damage to the

sensitive new dune plantings.

Reshaped dune in 2010. Kura Kaupapa students planting in 2010.

Kaumatua blessing native dune plants before being planted by students in 2010.

2009 working bee to revegetate the reshaped dune

15

RaglanIn 2009 ongoing planting at Raglan’s Ocean Beach saw 2,500 spinifex

and 750 wiwi planted, continuing the restoration of the fore dune in

this area which had advanced up to 30 metres seaward of the severely

eroded position in 2002.

However, a stormy 2009/10 summer period driven by a strong El Nino

weather system started a cycle of erosion at this end of the beach,

leading to more than 10 metres of dune being lost to erosion. While it

appears extreme, this erosion cycle is just as natural as the accretion

that preceded it, which are both part of the natural beach cycle.

This type of cyclical erosion only becomes a problem when the dune

plants that allow the dunes to recover naturally are disturbed. This

stops the accretion part of the cycle, and when the next erosion phase

occurs the shoreline goes even further landward as there is no buffer

in place.

While waiting for this erosion cycle

to slow, Beachcare members took

to increasing the biodiversity of the

back dune areas by planting more

than 200 native trees and shrubs,

such as taupata, houpara, karo and

pohutukawa. This area is set to

become a demonstration site showing

the natural coastal vegetation

sequence and will be an example of

the type of restoration that can be

achieved at highly degraded sites.

Also in 2010, over 60 Raglan

community members gathered to

RuapukeFollowing the successful dune restoration trial in

2008, restoration work continued at the north-end

car park in 2009 and 2010 with the exotic marram

cleared from the dunes and replaced with the native

spinifex, pingao, and wiwi (knobby club rush).

Like many west coast beaches, the stormy 2009/10

summer period lead to extensive erosion at Ruapuke

beach. However, there are already signs that the

beach is recovering, especially in the areas where

the spinifex had previously been planted by the

community.

Native tree species such as pohutukawa, ngaio

and akeake were also trialled in 2010 amongst the

naturally occurring wiwi in the back dune areas. These

trials will help dictate which species are best suited to

this location for future working bees.

This year will see a continuation of the back dune

species trials, ongoing maintenance of the north end

restoration sites, and the ongoing monitoring and

management of access and vehicle issues as required.

Spinifex planted during a working bee in2008 looking healthy.

Ruapuke working bee in 2008 with the northend cove in the background.

Ruapuke Beachcare continuing their dune restoration during 2010.

Dunes recovering after severe erosionduring El Nino in 2009.

plant 2,000 spinifex, 100 pingao and 500 wiwi on the reshaped dune

near the toilet block on Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive. The function and

natural character of this area had been severely degraded as a result of

the high use of this area and lack of formal access ways. With the native

plants lost, exotic plant and weed species had taken over and were

dominating the site, reducing the dunes ability to trap sand and recover

from erosion.The eroded bank Beachcare

reshaped and planted.

Raglan Beachcare planting day after dune reshape

Raglan back dune planting day with students from Waikato Diocesan School.

Teachers College students from Waikato University learning about dune restoration.

16

MarokopaPlanting of native sand binding species spinifex and pingao continued over the

Marokopa sand spit during the 2009 and 2010 planting seasons, and has now been

largely completed after seven years of hard work by local Beachcare members.

This project is now one of the largest-scale dune restorations completed in New

Zealand, all with volunteer labour – a great outcome for the community.

The group’s focus will now turn to enhancing the indigenous biodiversity and

natural character of the degraded sand spit ecosystem. The group aims to establish

a number of ’biodiversity islands’ on the spit – protected areas planted densely

with a range of native trees and shrubs that will attract birds, helping to spread the

native tree seeds throughout the area.

These ‘biodiversity islands’ will be fenced to protect the new plants from rabbits,

wandering stock, pedestrians and vehicles – factors which all contributed to the

previous loss of the original native vegetation. The areas will have any pest plant

species controlled to allow the native species to thrive.

To help with the planning of future plantings, a number of native tree species such

as pohutukawa, karo, and ngaio were trialled in 2010 at a variety of areas on the

spit. Some previous year’s trial plantings of the endangered native sand pimelea

are looking healthy and will continue to be used in future working bees.

KiritehereKiritehere Beachcare members continued

their planting programme in 2009 with native

sand binders on the fore dune and a variety of

native trees and shrubs on the sheltered back

dune area. Kiritehere now has one of the best

pingao-dominated dunes on the west coast of

the Waikato region, a great resource for local

MokauMokau Beachcare, another new group for

the Waikato programme, held its inaugural

dune planting day in June 2010. More than 15

campers from the Seaview Holiday Park planted

1,500 dune plants along 20 metres of reshaped

dune as a trial area.

This group is focused on restoring the degraded

dunes seaward of the popular Seaview Holiday

Park, with group members being made up

mostly of campers with permanent sites at the

holiday park.

Most of the original native dune vegetation

from this part of the coast has been lost due to

past pressures such as development and cattle

grazing during droving. With the native species

gone, exotic species such as kikuyu grass,

marram and South African ice-plant took their

place and became the dominant vegetation.

These exotic species are not able to trap wind

blown sand and build dunes like the native

sand binders spinifex and pingao.

After

Kiritehere beach now has a well vegetated fore dune.

The group will continue restoring the dunes

in front of the Seaview Holiday Park in 2011,

with a focus on establishing a healthy cover

of spinifex and pingao on the fore dune.

The group will focus on vegetating the most

vulnerable sections of fore dune first, along

with continuing the reshaping and planting

in the area north of the campground. A range

of native tree and shrub plantings will also be

trialled in the sheltered back dune areas.

weavers and a huge addition to the natural

character of the beach.

No planting was undertaken in 2010, however

maintenance of the previously planted back

dune trees and shrubs is planned for 2011 along

with additional plantings where required.

Before

Working bee

Marokopa Beachcare working bee in 2009.

One of the areas on the Marokopa spit that will be planted in native coastal trees and shrubs to create one of three ‘biodiversity islands’.

The Marokopa spit now has a dense cover of native sand binding plants thanks to the efforts of Marokopa Beachcare.