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Volunteers are celebrating the 30th anniversary of a project that has helped save the coastal sand dunes in the Bay of Plenty. The weather was perfect for the occasion, according to Bay of Plenty Regional councillor Kat Macmillan. She expressed her gratitude to the volunteers for their hard work over the past three decades.
The milestone is being celebrated with several events during Volunteer Week. Coast Care, the organization behind the project, believes that the best way to recognize the program’s success is to celebrate the people involved in it.
Two events were held on Sunday morning at Pāpāmoa Beach and Maraetotara Reserve at Ōhope. The events included light refreshments provided by Coast Care. Two more events are planned for June 23 at Pohutukawa Park, Waihī Beach, and Kaituna: Ōtamarākau, Pukehina.
Coast Care is a coastal restoration program that works closely with local communities, authorities, and schools to restore and protect the sand dunes along the Bay of Plenty beaches. Volunteers, including residents, beach users, and schools, dedicate their time and expertise to care for the dunes. The program is mainly funded by the council, which also provides other resources and educational tools.
The program involves four coastal district and city councils – Western Bay of Plenty, Tauranga, Ōpōtiki, and Whakatāne – and the Department of Conservation. Volunteers help with beach clean-ups, planting native dune plants, managing weeds and pests, fencing, and more.
Coast Care also educates people on the importance of caring for the dunes, which are crucial for protecting our beaches. The dunes, covered with native plants, act as a barrier between the land and the sea. Without these plants, the sand blows away, and the dunes disappear, leaving the land exposed to weather and wave surges.
The health of our coast, especially the dunes, is affected by the popularity of our beaches, changing climate, pests, and development pressure. This makes the work of Coast Care groups even more vital.
Volunteers are invited to join Coast Care Bay of Plenty community planting days. The work is easy, enjoyable, and rewarding. Volunteers need to bring sturdy footwear, suitable clothing, gardening gloves, and a spade.
To get involved, fill in the Coast Care form online to join the mailing list and receive updates on local initiatives. You can also learn more about how to protect and restore the coastal environment in the Bay of Plenty.
