An engaging and inspiring national conference on coastal restoration was held in March at Hauiti Marae, Ūawa with many Council staff involved.

Oriana Rojas, Council's open space and amenity leader was on the conference organising committee, Council's scientists Dr Murry Cave and Dr Amber Dunn were keynote speakers, and principal biodiversity adviser, Don McLean was a workshop facilitator. They shared knowledge and science on the coastal impacts of storm events, the importance of natural sand movement, and weed species control for dune restoration work.

The conference showcased local mātauranga-ā-iwi of Te Aitanga a Hauiti from Dr Wayne Ngata, Victor Walker and Graeme Atkins who spoke about the taiao, restoration of Uawanui River, and our unique coastal indigenous biodiversity.

The experiences and messages from local leaders undertaking river/dune restoration or dealing with the downstream coastal effects of woody debris and windborne diseases such as myrtle rust, inspired the audience.

All stories shared had a common message – local place-based action and solutions, and local decision-making, have the best outcomes.

The conference (sponsored by Council) had the right mix of science, real-world restoration action, field trips to some of Tairāwhiti’s special coastal ecosystems and dune ecosystems, Kaitawa estuary, Anaura Bay, and a range of hands-on workshops for coastal restoration.

A key take-home message from the conference was that coastal environments need more advocacy and funding. They are one of the key battle zones for climate change – how to adapt and choosing which battles to fight is of utmost importance.