As the holiday season approaches and beach days are in sight, Coast Care Bay of Plenty is reminding everyone to help protect the region’s beautiful coastline and beaches. Coast Care is a coastal restoration program that has been working since 1994 with local communities, schools, and authorities to protect and restore the sand dunes along the Bay of Plenty beaches.
Coast Care’s Regional Coordinator, Russell Knutson, says, “We work with locals all year to protect and restore our dunes. Now that summer is here and more people are visiting the beach, we’re asking everyone to be mindful of these delicate ecosystems while enjoying our coast.”
This message is supported by the results of Coast Care’s 2023 Beach User Survey. The survey, which received over 600 responses, shows that the community sees the importance of maintaining the health of the coastal environment. It also reveals a change in community priorities since the last survey in 2014, which will help guide Coast Care’s future direction.
Russell explains, “The sandy dunes that stretch 156km along the Bay of Plenty coastline are more than just a place for summer fun. They are a living ecosystem that supports a variety of native species, provides recreational space for families, and acts as a natural barrier against coastal hazards. These coastal areas are crucial to our community’s wellbeing.”
The survey results show that beach users value natural beauty and wildlife the most. They also prefer eco-friendly methods for coastal preservation, with dune planting being the top choice. Russell says, “It’s great to see our community supporting these sustainable initiatives to ensure the longevity of our beaches, dunes, and coastal property. This is another reason to take care of our dunes during the busy season.”
Russell also points out that walking and driving on the dunes can damage them, so it’s important to stick to official access ways. The survey results show support for restrictions on vehicle access and a call for councils to enforce rules for safer beaches for families and children.
Russell concludes, “As we enjoy the sun and surf, it’s important to remember the impact we can have. The beach is a shared place. Everyone can do their part this summer to keep our coastal systems protected, dunes preserved and ensure they can be safely enjoyed by all.”
Coast Care Bay of Plenty is run in partnership with all four coastal district and city councils (Western Bay of Plenty, Tauranga, Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne) and the Department of Conservation.
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