Important planting work is underway to restore sand dunes at Onetangi Beach.
Around 70 volunteers and Auckland Council contractors have worked hard to plant 7000 dune grasses at the beach.
Over the next month there are plans to plant out sections of the eroding coastal bank at Onetangi. The plants are to help control erosion and to prevent damage from pedestrian access.
This planting has been funded by Auckland Council’s One Million tree project. Waiheke local James Robinson said he took over the responsibilities of organising volunteers to help with the dune restoration because he was passionate about caring for the local beach and environment for future generations.
Robinson said that Cyclone Cook in 2018 had washed much of the sand dunes away and the erosion there was severe.
He said the Onetangi dunes desperately needed replanting this year. “The work is really important, as engaging the community to support the replanting helps foster ownership and accountability for the dunes and beach health among those who use the beach, whether you’re a local or visitor.”
There are also plans to plant 3500 dune grasses at Palm Beach in July with volunteers and contractors.
For more information on how to help in future plantings, you can visit the official Facebook page.
