Spinifex to Rebuild the Beach

On Sunday 22 January 2023 about a dozen people gathered to plant another 200 or so spinifex plants provided by the Horowhenua District Council. There’s an intensive effort going on to protect the area between the Miratana Track at the end of Manga Pirau Street and the rock groyne. That’s part of the area that was devastatingly eroded in February 2018 when ex-TC Gita passed through.

Spinifex and large pieces of driftwood work together to help trap sand and keep it on the beach.

Photos show about half the volunteers, and the resulting band of spinifex.

Update, 26 January 2023. Craig Kidd, Horowhenua District Council Parks and Property Officer | Āpiha Papa Rēhia, Rawa, emailed:

Please pass on Thanks to all that helped on Sunday, although there were not many plants to plant, just under 250. “Many Hand make light work”

It’s great to see the plants that were planted last year becoming established and the sand that is building along the foredune area that had been eroded, along the frontage of the Miritana Block and from the vehicle entrance to the groin.

Attached are photos from Sunday morning.

The Community assistance is greatly appreciated.