5
Magazine
Pauanui
In recent years erosion at Pauanui has significantly reduced the dune
within the central and southern areas of the beach and narrowed – and
in places eliminated – the spinifex zone. Several planning meetings
were held with TCDC staff and the local Beachcare coordinator to plan
appropriate action, agreeing on extensive reshaping and planting work to
widen the dune landward.
Reshaping of the dune over a length of 60 metres was designed and
supervised in 2012, with subsequent planting of this area in October 2012.
A further 100 metres was cleared in June 2013 and subsequently planted.
More than 7000 fore-dune plants were planted in the restored areas.
A presentation was also prepared for the local community in 2013 to
update them on the proposed work and rationale, with good support
obtained. A community board meeting was also attended to outline and
discuss the ongoing work.
The Beachcare working bees in 2012 and 2013 were well attended and
the restoration work to date has drawn widespread favourable comment.
A highlight of 2013 was the involvement of Hikuai School in a planting
working bee and it is hoped to strengthen links with the school in 2014.
Over 6000 plants went into the restoration work in 2013.
In 2014 there are plans to restore at least a further 100 metres of the dune
width.
Tairua
Several site inspections were conducted in 2012 and 2013 to monitor the
restored frontal dune, with follow-up maintenance spraying organised.
The restoration work is performing well and the dune continues to grow
seaward. The repair of the frontal dune following the unusually severe
erosion in the early 2000s is now largely completed, apart from a small
length at the extreme south end of the beach.
Discussions were held with TCDC with regard to completing this work and
it is hoped that it can be undertaken in 2014, subject to support from the
relevant private landowners. Development at the south end is very close
to the sea but TCDC has arranged to obtain a general consent for sand
push-ups from the beach, which will enable rapid repair of the dunes in
the event of a rare and severe storm, and expensive and unsightly rock
protection will not be required. Limited areas of rock placed in the past
have been removed as the dune restoration has progressed.
Before – Pauanui working bee.
After – one year later the dune plantings are looking very healthy.
Tairua Beach.
