Tuesday 13 November 2018

A community planting day will complete a project led by Horowhenua District Council to extend stormwater outlet pipes and re-shape dunes at Waitārere Beach.

Water Services Engineer Maurice McGunnigle said the four outlet pipes at Waitārere Beach needed to be extended as the dunes have built up with accretion over the years, partially blocking the outlet pipes.

“Council has extended the pipe outlets seaward of the foot of the dunes, to meet our resource consent and minimise dune disturbance, and to improve the operation of the stormwater drainage system,” he said.

Work on the stormwater pipes was completed in October, and the immediate surrounding dunes were re-shaped to achieve a dune profile suitable for spinifex planting and dune stabilisation.

Council consulted with local iwi and ecologist Gary Bramley on the project.

“The area is ecologically sensitive, with a population of katipo spiders. With Mr Bramley’s guidance we ensured any spiders were relocated from the construction area to a safe place,” said Sean Hester, Parks and Property Lead North.

Council’s contractor has planted the re-shaped dunes around the stormwater pipe outlets with native spinifex grass to help preserve them.

Dunes in front of the Surf Lifesaving Club will also be planted, with the help of the community.

“We encourage members of the community and students and families of Poroutawhao School to join in the planting with Council officers,” said Mr Hester.

The planting day is from 9am to 11am on Sunday 18 November. Volunteers will meet at Waitārere Beach foreshore at the beach entrance on Waitārere Beach Road, and need appropriate footwear and a hat.

ENDS

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