22 Mar 2017

Share this story

A coastal dunes conference kicking off in Christchurch today will raise awareness of the importance of dunes to our coastal system.

The Coastal Restoration Trust of New Zealand will today open their four day conference based in New Brighton – the first time the Conference has been held in Christchurch in over a decade.

Christchurch City Council Parks Ranger Rodney Chambers said the 75 delegates from all over New Zealand would travel around the Canterbury coastline to view dunes and share ideas on dune care and management. 

Cyclists on the Dunes at New Brighton

“It’s a great opportunity for Christchurch people to showcase their work in a national forum. And it’s an education and training opportunity to discuss the importance of dunes and managing them.”

The four day programme includes visits to Kaitorete Spit (beside Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere), South Brighton and Ihutai/Avon-Heathcote Estuary, Leithfield Beach to Cheviot, Awaroa/Godley Head and Taylors Mistake.

Chair of the Coastal Restoration Trust of New Zealand Greg Bennett said the conference was an opportunity to discuss the issues facing dunes and coastlines.

“Our coastal geological and ecological systems are facing many challenges such as urban and agricultural encroachment, effects of sea level rise and introduced new plants and animals. Over the next few days we will be looking at and discussing these issues and many more.

The Trust aimed to:

  • provide a network for information exchange on sustainable management of dunes and coastal ecosystems;
  • facilitate research on NZ coastal and dune ecosystems;
  • promote public awareness of proven methods for protection, restoration, conservation and sustainable management of coastal and dune ecosystems.

Christchurch residents are invited to attend a free Seminar tonight. Speakers will focus on providing information about coastal processes and raising awareness of dune management techniques.  There is also a free weaving workshop at the same time -  6.30pm at the New Brighton Working Mens Club.

Find out more about the conference and free public sessions.

Find out more on Christchurch’s beach and coastal areas.