8
Rings Beach
Inspection of the site was conducted in November 2012 and a further working bee was held over
Easter 2013, with approximately 1000 fore-dune species planted. In addition, ongoing weed control
has continued to try to limit the locally significant woody asparagus, a very invasive species on dunes.
Matarangi
Ongoing site inspections of past restoration trials along Kenwood Drive were conducted in 2012 and
2013, including follow-up spray maintenance to restrict invasion by exotic species from adjacent
dune areas.
Following discussions with local landowners, further dune restoration was initiated along Kenwood
Drive over a length of approximately 80 metres in late 2013. Unfortunately, a major coastal storm in
September resulted in wind erosion before the plants were established, with the loss of some of the
plantings and issues with windblown sand. A wind break fence established in November 2013 will be
in place until autumn 2014, when further planting will be undertaken to repair the storm damage.
The major focus next year will be on completion of the work started in 2013 to ensure establishment
of a good vegetation cover. Given the issues with windblown sand experienced at this site in two of
the three restoration projects undertaken, future work will incorporate temporary wind break fences
which to date have not been required at other sites on the peninsula.
The three photos below show (from left and clockwise) the site before, during and after restoration.
Whangapoua
Major earthworks and fore-dune restoration
were designed and undertaken at this site
in 2012 following planning meetings and
inspections with TCDC and adjacent landowners.
The work used the “whole of dune approach”
developed at Cooks Beach, with a total of
just under 6500 fore-dune species planted.
Inspections of the planting were also conducted
and maintenance spraying organised.
The ongoing monitoring indicates the work
was very successful. Accordingly, a community
workshop was held over Queen’s Birthday
weekend 2012 to explain the work and discuss
potential expansion. The area for the next
stage of the restoration was agreed and this
work was undertaken in August-September
2013, with nearly 4000 further plants being
planted. A major storm occurred shortly after
the planting, but fortunately little to no damage
was sustained.
The reshaped dune is in great condition.
Some back-dune areas are highly affected by
exotic weed species.
Inspection of the successful back-dune restoration
plantings during the 2012 Queen’s Birthday
weekend meeting.
