4
Whiritoa
Work in 2012 focused on the area to the
immediate south of the Whiritoa Surf Life Saving
Club, including clearance of exotic vegetation
from the seaward dune face and planting of
spinifex and knobby club rush. In 2013 the
clearing of the exotic vegetation and further
planting of natives were completed in this area.
The focus over the next two years will be on
restoring the dune area seaward of the surf club.
Hauraki District Council will also install a new
beach access from the adjacent playground to
protect the 2012/13 plantings and restoration.
Whangamata
Work in Whangamata in 2012 and 2013 focused
on the demonstration trial restoration seaward
of Seaview Road and the commencement
of restoration seaward of the Whangamata
Surf Life Saving Club in conjunction with the
club and Thames-Coromandel District Council
(TCDC). Four working bees were held, plus
an annual meeting and two separate beach
inspections and planning meetings. A total of
4000 fore-dune plants were planted in 2013.
Maintenance spraying of the restoration areas
was also conducted in spring and autumn.
Work in 2014 will continue to focus on the
area seaward and south of the surf life saving
club, though discussions are also planned with
respect to enhancing a natural dune vegetation
sequence along the Island View Reserve.
Onemana
The initial restoration at Onemana was
completed in 2011 and work during 2012/13
focused on periodic inspections of the
restoration with maintenance spraying
conducted as required to prevent weed invasion
from the adjacent landscape. Discussions were
also held with TCDC and the local ratepayers
group with regard to possible future landward
extension of the existing dune planting. This
work may commence in 2014, depending on
community priorities, but it is more likely that
work will be restricted to periodic inspections of
past work and any required maintenance. There
are also instability issues at the southern end of
the beach which will be addressed in 2014.
A highlight of 2013 was the awarding of a
national ‘Coastal Champions’ award to local
Beachcare coordinator Barry Turk by the New
Zealand Coastal Society.
Barry Turk receives his
‘Coastal Champions’
award.
Photo courtesy of Coastal News.
Restored dune south of the surf club.
The area that will be restored in coming years.
Working bee at the demonstration site.
Knobby club rush bordering the beach access way in
front of the surf club.
The Onemana dune sequence restored by Onemana
Beachcare volunteers.
