Sand dune erosion and stabilisation, Eastern Coromandel

The report gives descriptions of the dune condition at a number of Coromandel beaches. An air-photo assessment was carried out to determine the area of unstable dune. Based on field mapping and air photo analysis the beach dune systems have been ranked in order of instability. The report then covers aspects of dune conservation/rehabilitation and outlines the various conservation methods available. Purpose: To highlight the problems of dune erosion on the Coromandel Peninsula beaches.

Comments on dune stability at individual beaches, estimation of 'unstable' dune area from historic and recent aerial photographs and ranking of stability of beaches. Part 2 of the report contains guidelines for recognition of dune values, removal of the factor causing vegetation deterioration, restoration methods and maintenance. Includes suggestions for access tracks, wind fences, suitable plants (native and exotic).

22 eastern Coromandel beaches (23 including Waihi)

Port Jackson – Easting 2736294 Northing 6521700 Waikawau Bay – Easting 2736294 Northing 6508253 Kennedy Bay – Easting 2738788 Northing 6498665 Whangapoua Beach – Easting 2744044 Northing 6495305 Matarangi Beach – Easting 2747703 Northing 6493459 Rings Beach – Easting 2750589 Northing 6521700 Kuaotunu West – Easting 2752011 Northing 6493492 Kuaotunu East – Easting 2753740 Northing 6493914 Otama Beach – Easting 2756234 Northing 6495458 Opito Bay – Easting 2759848 Northing 6495124 Wharekaho Beach – Easting 2753454 Northing 6485595 Buffalo Beach – Easting 2751314 Northing 6483588 Maramaratotara Beach – Flaxmill Bay - Easting 2752636 Northing 6482105 Cooks Beach – Easting 2752636 Northing 6482105 Hahei Beach – Easting 2760754 Northing 6480829 Hot Water Beach – Easting 2761525 Northing 6476461 Tairua Beach – Easting 2764784 Northing 6463712 Pauanui Beach – Easting 2765625 Northing 6460598 Opoutere Beach – Easting 2766841 Northing 6451791 Onemana Beach – Easting 2766084 Northing 6445934 Whangamata Beach – Whangamata Nth Easting 2765706 Northing 6439232 Whangamata Sth (Otahu) Easting 2765956 Northing 6437830 Whiritoa Beach – Easting 2767757 Northing 6431097

1981/82

Field notes were made on the condition of each beach dune system. An assessment of the change in unstable dune area between 1944/45 and 1978 Based on fieldwork and aerial photography evaluation, the dunes were ranked in order of stability, based on known problems, economics, area of instability and public pressure. Frequency of collection: One off

Arbitrary assessment of economic importance of erosion. Gaps in collection: Historic photographs of Port Jackson are missing. Data quality: Not reported Attribute accuracy: Not reported. Arbitrary assessment.

report, photos, aerial photos Digital Format: N/A

Report in Environment Waikato library, freely available. Sensitivity/Confidentiality: None

Finished

Additional comments: Exotic plant species, some of which are now plant pests on dunes, are included in the planting lists.