What we do
Dune Restoration
Protecting and restoring Waikawa Beach's dune systems remains one of WBEG's core areas of work.
Since 2018, members of our community have worked alongside Horowhenua District Council to restore approximately two hectares of dune habitat around the Reay Mackay Grove northern walkway and surrounding areas. More recently, this work has expanded to include restoration at both the Northern and Southern Walkways and the wider dune corridor. Our work includes native dune planting, weed control, pest management and ongoing maintenance to improve the resilience of these important coastal ecosystems.
Healthy dune systems are our community's first line of defence against coastal erosion and storm events. They also provide important habitat for native plants, invertebrates and coastal bird species.
Like all restoration projects, dune recovery is a long-term commitment. While the changes can sometimes seem small from year to year, the cumulative impact of thousands of native plants and hundreds of volunteer hours is already making a visible difference.
Reay Mackay grove northern walkway January 2014
Reay Mackay grove northern walkway March 2021
River Management and Freshwater Advocacy
The health of the Waikawa Stream and estuary is one of the most important environmental issues facing our community.
WBEG advocates for improved freshwater outcomes by working collaboratively with local residents, iwi, Horowhenua District Council, Horizons Regional Council and other stakeholders to better understand the challenges facing our catchment and identify practical solutions.
Issues affecting our awa include water quality, sedimentation, erosion, nutrient loading, habitat loss and the impacts of land use throughout the wider catchment. We support evidence-based decision making and regularly use publicly available monitoring data, scientific reports and local observations to help inform discussions and advocate for positive change.
Our goal is simple — a healthier Waikawa Stream and estuary that supports biodiversity, recreation, cultural values and the wellbeing of our community.
Kayaking the Waikawa stream 2024 – showing weed growth
Pest Management
Protecting biodiversity means protecting native species from the pressures created by invasive plants and animals.
WBEG works closely with a wide range of partners including Horizons Regional Council, Horowhenua District Council, the Department of Conservation, Predator Free initiatives, Wildcats of Waikawa Beach, neighbouring environmental groups and subject matter experts.
Our work includes pest plant identification and control, habitat restoration, and raising community awareness about the impacts invasive species can have on native ecosystems. We are also fortunate to collaborate with groups and volunteers who contribute to trapping programmes and the management of pest animal species across our wider environment.
By sharing knowledge, resources and expertise, we can achieve far more together than any one organisation could achieve alone.
Current trap locations
Managed Beach Access
Waikawa Beach is a special place that is valued by many different users, and balancing access with environmental protection can sometimes be challenging.
WBEG supports responsible and sustainable access that enables people to enjoy the beach while protecting sensitive habitats, nesting birds, dune systems and areas of cultural significance. We continue to actively work as part of a community hui and with a range of other groups, iwi, local residents and councils to contribute constructively to discussions around access, safety and long-term management of our coastal environment.
Our goal is not to restrict enjoyment of the beach, but to help ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the same natural values that make Waikawa Beach such a special place.
Vehicles in the dunes is a universal problem in all coastal communities, this image is from a recent visit to Foxton Beach Dune garden.