With planting being a significant part of Matariki celebrations, Northland Regional Council CoastCare staff were delighted to participate and support a planting day organised by Aki Tai Here at Pataua South on Matariki (June 20).

Aki Tai Here Operations Manager, Huia Busby said 76 community members attended the day, “Many hands make light work - the countless threads of manaaki woven by each individual have made a lasting impact on our Pāpuni Dunes."

Before getting stuck in, those involved learnt about dune ecology and the importance of dune restoration before planting of spinifex, pingao, pohuehue and wiwi got underway.

A previously planted section of the dune provided good motivation to continue the restoration mahi in the area.

Huia said she looked forward to growing capacity within the kainga to lead out the educational dune system korero and planting process.

Laura Shaft, Coastal Biodiversity Manager, Northland Regional Council who attended the event said it was “awesome” to see the work continuing to be undertaken on vulnerable dunes and praised the great turnout.

“With many areas of Northlands coastal dunes under threat or constantly changing due to climate change impacts, these community planting days are more important than ever. Not only will planting help mitigate erosion, it will help strengthen the ecosystem for many native insects, lizards and birds that call these sand dunes home.”