28 May
The Coastal Restoration Trust's 2024 conference, held at Maketū marae in Kāwhia from March 20th to 22nd, brought together over 140 participants with a common goal: protecting and restoring New Zealand's precious coastal environments.
The conference theme, 'Whatungarongaro te taangata, toituu te whenua' (As man disappears from sight, the land remains), underscored the importance of safeguarding the coast for future generations.
This year marked the second time Oriana Rojas and Belen Ballester from the Amenity and Horticulture team at GDC participated, showcasing their ongoing commitment to supporting volunteer-driven coastal restoration efforts.
This year's event offered a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange. Scientists, volunteers, and council representatives from across Aotearoa shared their expertise and experiences. Attendees learned from Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr (Tainui) about the rich history of Kāwhia and the Waikato Tainui people, as well as the challenges posed by climate change to coastal communities.
Experts provided valuable insights on tackling invasive species that threaten coastal ecosystems. Workshops delved into practical solutions, such as selecting suitable native plants for restoration projects, controlling pest animals that disrupt restoration efforts, and effectively monitoring progress.
The conference culminated in field trips showcasing the inspiring work undertaken by the local Kāwhia community to revitalize their coastal environment. A key takeaway was the immense contribution of volunteers. Their dedication and passion are the backbone of many dune restoration projects throughout New Zealand, often supported by agencies like councils and the Department of Conservation.
The Dunes Restoration Conference provided a valuable knowledge boost for Tairawhiti's coastal restoration projects.
This newfound knowledge deepens our understanding of how New Zealand's coastal environments flourish and the challenges they face. We also gained access to new tools and practical strategies for the preservation and restoration of the dunes.
The conference showcased the inspiring work of councils, organizations, and volunteers from other regions. This reinforces the importance of preserving these ecosystems and motivates us to keep striving for positive change.
Through continuous learning and hands-on experience with dune restoration projects, we strive to ensure the long-term preservation of these vital ecosystems on the east coast.
Coastal Restoration Trust of New Zealand
