CoastCare Northland

CoastCare aims to protect and restore dune systems through establishment, education, resourcing, and on-going support of community-based CoastCare groups. The programme started in 2005 and now has thirty groups around Northland's coast.

For many groups – such as Baylys Beach Protection Society and Waipapakauri Coastal Care group – a priority was fencing dunes and planting with spinifex and pingao. More than 11,000 spinifex and pingao plants were provided to CoastCare groups in 2009/2010. For more information about CoastCare Northland, or for groups operating in your area, visit www.nrc.govt.nz/coastcare or join us at www.facebook.com/CoastCareNorthland

Case study – Taipā Beach

In May 2008 Taipā CoastCare was formed as a sub group of the Taipā Beach Improvement Society. During 2008 the group planted 800 spinifex provided by the Council, with assistance from school students and local residents. The group also constructed walkways and temporary fences to protect the plants.

Throughout the year Taipā CoastCare members are down at the beach most days, releasing the spinifex from weeds such as kikuyu, which disrupt their growth, as well as maintaining the walkways and fences. Students from the Taipā Area School have been very active in assisting with planting and weeding, and a junior CoastCare group has been formed.

In 2009 six more accessways were put in, and a further 600 spinifex and 600 pingao plants were planted, funded through the Regional Council's Environment Fund.

Photos: The walkways have helped protect the dunes and given the plants a chance to grow