The Ocean Beach Restoration Association (OBRA) is a passionate volunteer group dedicated to restoring and protecting Ocean Beach, Whangārei Heads, and its surrounding environment. With the help and support of two other local organisations in the area (Weed Action and Aki Tai Here), OBRA is well equipped to tackle the task ahead.

Their monthly working bees bring locals together with a shared purpose: to make a tangible, long-term difference to the health of this place. On the third Thursday of every month, volunteers gather at the Ocean Beach carpark and work their way toward the foredunes, clearing invasive weeds, planting native species, and carrying out essential maintenance and restoration mahi.

Last summer, Coastcare staff collected a bag of spinifex seed and sent it to Coastlands nursery for propagation; this winter, those seeds will return as trays of young spinifex plants ready to be re-established on the Ocean Beach dunes in a full-circle restoration moment. Coastcare staff have recently joined OBRA working bees, helping to remove wild gladioli bulbs from the foredunes and mid-dunes, a surprisingly meticulous task that requires patience to ensure every tiny bulb is lifted.

If you’d like to contribute to the ongoing restoration of Ocean Beach, their final working bee for 2025 will be held on Thursday, 11 December. Anyone is welcome, whether you’re local or simply passionate about coastal conservation and every session ends with a shared lunch and cuppa. See you there!