Whangamatā Dune Protection Society
Whangamatā Dune Protection Society
About Whangamatā Dune Protection Society
The severe storms of 2023 galvanised a group of locals to support Coastcare’s restoration efforts —
ultimately leading to the formation of a charitable society in early 2025.
The Society is a community-led organisation dedicated to protecting the Whangamatā dune ecosystem. We
view the dunes, beach, and surf as one living, interconnected system — essential for coastal protection and
biodiversity. But this natural system is under growing pressure:
Rodent infestations and invasive weeds
Non-native plants weakening dune structure
Unauthorised dune reclamation
Increasing exposure to storm-driven winds and tides
We recognise that major weather events will continue to reshape the coast. Some of our work may be
undone — but it’s never wasted. By establishing a wide, natural dune buffer and planting resilient native
species, we help dunes recover faster and rebuild. A resilient dune bounces back. A neglected dune
disappears.
The Society welcomes both individual and corporate members. Our growing network includes volunteers
who plant, collect seeds, or maintain the dunes — as well as supporters who raise awareness or contribute
to research that strengthens coastal understanding.
We work in partnership with Waikato Coastcare, TCDC, DOC, Iwi, and others to ensure our approach is
informed, inclusive, and effective.
Our core values
- Community at the heart
Dune protection must be community-led to endure. While we can lean on the support of local government and partner organisations, it’s the community of Whangamatā who need to take the lead. Resilience depends on having the current community fully engaged and invested. Without ongoing support and participation, the dunes — and the momentum to protect them — will fade. - Respect for nature, guided by knowledge
We protect and care for the dunes, beach, and surf as one living system. Sand is always moving — what we do in the dunes affects the beach, and what happens on the beach affects the surf. That’s why our actions are guided by ecological understanding: how sand, plants, water, and weather interact to shape the coast. We base our work on science, shared knowledge, and proven experience. - Native plants are key
Locally adapted native plants form the backbone of healthy dunes. Species like spinifex and pīngao are specially adapted to thrive in the harsh conditions of the foredune & wiwi in the back dune. These plants are nature’s best sand binders, trapping wind-blown sand, allowing dunes to grow and form naturally. They stabilise the system, support biodiversity, and give the dunes the best chance to recover after storms. - Helping nature — carefully and selectively
While nature leads, she sometimes needs support —so we help where it counts: through minimal, well-informed interventions like reshaping dunes or replacing plants after erosion. These efforts are not a shortcut, but a way to give nature the best chance to bounce back — quickly, naturally. - Education and empowerment
We grow public understanding of how the dune system works and inspire others to become guardians. When people understand, they care. When they care, they act — and through collective action, we protect what we love.
Location: We work on the entire Whangamatā ocean beach, situated between the Whangamata Harbour at the northern end and Otahu Estuary at the southern end.
Contact: Secretary of the Whangamatā Dune Protection Society
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