Dunes exist in a dynamic environment
Sand dunes are important as they are the natural barrier between land and sea and protect inland areas against storms and waves. The ever constant forces of wind and water mean they constantly change and we should expect them to grow, shrink or move.
The native dune species can better withstand inundation by salt water and when they get their roots down will help to bind and rebuild the sand after erosion from storm events. Recent storm events have tested the dune plantings and in places we have lost plants, and a lot of sand. However natives like spinifex tend to get buried and then grow again, building up the dunes and providing natural resilience over time.
Five other sites, Mosquito Bay, Tinline camp, Appletree Bay, Coquille Bay and Wainui sandspit are also undergoing a makeover. Motupipi Primary School students help with the work at Wainui. There are plans to begin work at Anapai, Onetahuti, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry and Porters Beach.