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Magazine
Mercury Bay – Wharekaho
Formation and planting of a small frontal fore-dune was planned and undertaken on a private property near the centre of the beach. The dune was
constructed using sand pushed up from the beach and then planted, after allowing time for salt levels to reduce. Ongoing inspection and maintenance
spraying of the dune was also conducted. It is hoped the trial dune will encourage other front beach owners to agree to similar work, as the frontal
dunes at this beach are very limited and degraded.
In 2014, discussions will be held with property owners in central and southern areas of the beach with the hope of planning and initiating further dune
restoration work in this area.
Mercury Bay – Hotwater Beach
This site is continuing to draw increasing user pressure, with the opening of a major car park in the central-southern area of the beach and proposed
construction of a surf life saving club. Inspections of the site were conducted, including a joint inspection with TCDC staff. It was agreed that increased
focus on dune management would be required to maintain and enhance the present dunes in the face of this increasing user pressure.
Community planting working bees were held in 2012 and again in 2013, with just under 4000 fore-dune plants established to the immediate south of the
new car park. A highlight in 2013 was the great help provided by pupils, staff and parents from the local Whenuakite School and it is hoped to continue to
build on this relationship in the future.
Planning is still in progress for 2014, but it’s likely to involve continued planting in central beach areas adjacent to the new car park and proposed surf club.
Exotic weeds being cleared from the dune.
Following dune planting.
One year later the dune plantings are looking great.
The car park in the central beach area.
Note the extensive back-dune area and coastal forest remnants.
The dune area planted by volunteers in 2011.
