Community planting day at Wainui 'schools' beach access

Room 3 at Wainui Beach School will be out in force on Sunday 30 August helping to beautify their community. Working with council they will help plant a range of natives and beach hardy plants. They will be planted next to the beach access on Wairere Road commonly referred to as 'schools'.  Members of the Wainui Beach community are invited to come and help them.

Wainui Beach School principal Nolian Andrew is supportive of the project. "Room 3 pupils have learnt a lot this year about how important it is to look after their environment and are very passionate about preserving habitats for future generations to enjoy. They are especially keen to help keep the beach a safe haven for native birds and animals.  This is a great opportunity for the children to get involved and do something positive that will really benefit the community. They will help plant the trees and will carry through with the project watering and weeding until the plants are established'.

The plan is to plant a low natural barrier on both sides of the ponds using flaxes and salt resistant plants.  A temporary fence has been erected to allow plants to establish and keep people away from the water.  Towards the sea, spinafex and pingao (sand dune grasses) will be planted.  Council will install picnic tables and rubbish bins before summer.   The planting plan and plants have been supplied by Gisborne's Native Garden Nursery and funded by council. 

There has been considerable interest in this area since work was carried out earlier this year. Council installed 2 retention areas with the aim of minimising beach erosion. "We are keen to manage stormwater naturally" said council stormwater engineer Joss Ruifrok. "When it rains heavily the car park and beach in this area is eroded.  We installed the 2 retention areas to slow the run-off of stormwater using natural processes. We think this is a better option than installing large pipes on the beach.  The retention areas are designed to collect and hold stormwater when it rains heavily.  During summer or dry periods the retention areas will remain empty.  When the areas are at capacity the water that overflows will be wide, shallow, sheet-like and less likely to cause erosion."

 "The ponds are a work in progress" Mr Ruifrok added. "While the retention areas were designed to drain quickly, the heavy rain event in June occurred before the work was finished.  Council is still developing the areas to ensure they drain efficiently with the least amount of damage to the beach. Installing the retention areas has provided an opportunity to landscape this area."   

The community planting day is on Sunday 30 August 1pm at 'schools' beach access on Wairere Road. If it is wet the day will be postponed until the following Sunday 6 September.