Our Vision:

to use a multi-purpose offshore submerged reef system to retain sand placed on this iconic beach, to provide coastal protection, and enhanced amenity (a wide sandy beach and Community facility in terms of water/wave sports) and environmental values (incorporation of marine habitat) – i.e. a multi-purpose reef.

It is envisaged that enhancing the amenity and environmental value of Orewa beach will have positive impacts on the social, educational and economic sectors of the region.

This conceptual image is based on findings from the feasability study and depicts the synagistic nature and completion of both the Reef Project and The District councils esplanade enhancement project Click to enlarge

History

Orewa’s long sandy beach is considered its major attraction and the most significant natural resource in the area. However, since early last century a number of contributing factors have dramatically reduced the width of ‘dry’ beach along much of its length.

Sand mining, loss of natural sand dunes (human encroachment), construction of tipped rock walls and the blasting of the river mouth in 1959 have all contributed to the current poor health of Orewa Beach.

In recent years sand has been placed on the beach to increase the dry beach area and protect the back beach from further erosion that can occur during storm events, but the nourish material does not stay in place in the long term.

This graphic sumarises the historic issues responsible for the beach retreat. Significant is the redirecting of the tidal jet in 1959. Click to enlarge

What will the Multi-purpose Reef Deliver

Placement of a submerged reef system will establish a new control point that will allow the beach plan shape to maintain a new equilibrium, namely a widening of the beach in the area of interest identified by the OBRCT and RDC. This widening will sustain a beach and Dune system whilst naturally protecting public reserve and private property.

Reef structures retain sand on the beach, making dune systems viable and protecting the back beach/shore from erosion. Click for larger image

What does the Reef Achieve and Deliver

• Sand retention (Economic/Environmental)

• Recreational/Sport facility (Community/Economic)

• Educational Facility (Community/Social)

• Storm & Erosion Protection (Environmental/ Economic)

• Sustainable Tourism (Economic)

• Marine Habitat (Ecology/ Environmental)

• Marketable point of difference (Economic/Community)

We look forward to featuring and sharing with you, as this community project rolls out; studies, news, education and events.
There will be opportunity for the wider community to get involved in fundraising and support activities should they wish to.

This project is a community led initiative for the community and we look forward to the day that our community can stand up on the world stage with pride and demonstrate what has been achieved.