Whangamatā Beachcare Group
Whangamatā Beachcare Group
Save the Dunes Whangamatā was started by the community, particularly beachfront landowners, following the damage to the dunes caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023. They wanted some quick, yet planned action to address the immediate vulnerability of the dunes and to start the process of regenerating a sustainable sand dune barrier. This led to the largest single Coastcare restoration project being undertaken on the Coromandel Peninsula, with about 700 metres of eroded dunes being restored.
2023 restoration and planting season wrap-up
It was a wild start to the year in Whangamatā with back-to-back cyclones Hale and Gabrielle causing significant erosion of the dunes and leaving scarps of 2-3 metres in places. This led to Thames-Coromandel District Council proposing their largest restoration project yet – over 700 metres of coastline. The community really got behind this project, with a huge level of support from local hapū Uru Ngawera, Save The Dunes Whangamatā and other locals. The project was divided into three stages, with the last planting in September. Awesome turnouts at all the planting events saw over 14,000 plants in the ground, with over 350 volunteers putting in almost 1000 hours. The beach has been completely transformed through these efforts – the next challenge will be educating summer visitors about the importance of keeping off the dunes.
- Two diggers and a tractor trailer unit on site for three weeks to fully restore the eroded dunes.
- 5 Coastcare events - 14,487 plants, 365 volunteers; 964 volunteer hours
For more information, read: Ocean and community dynamics at play in dune restoration
Contact: Thames-Coromandel District Council or Waikato Regional Council
Phone: 0800 800 401
Email: [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
For questions relating to government policy or the coastal management plan contact [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]