This was completed, taking a 50 year look at weather and tides, and concluded, unsurprisingly, that intervention would be required in order to protect the Pohutukawa trees and the road. The report noted that coastal management interventions are more successful when working with the existing coastal processes and that a hybrid solution customised to our particular beach would be necessary, including protection work on top to soak up stormwater.

With the recent damage caused by Cyclone Tam, a solution is becoming more urgent. FNDC are looking to see if they can secure some immediate resources to provide further short-term protection. We have also secured the services of a Coastal Scientist, Jim Dahm, to review our original reports and advise us on the specific solution her would recommend for our beach. He will be visiting in mid-June. Obviously getting the best advice on how to deal with the problem is the first step, finding the funding to put it in place will also be key.

Once Jim has done his assessment, the Wharf Trust will be working with the other stakeholders to discuss what options he recommends with the Community. Clearly funding for this work will need to be secured so this is a significant project.