To provide the community with accurate information relevant to the ongoing development and sustainment of activities regarding the Mangawhai Harbour and estuary.
27 May 2022
Last month a decision was made by a panel of Independent commissioners for the Auckland Council. Over the past two years they scrutinised expert evidence and found that sand mining the Pakiri Mangawhai embayment was not environmentally sound and rejected the application to take more sand from Pakiri and Mangawhai beaches - for the ‘far shore’ consent. This was an amazing result, but sadly due to a legal technicality it could still take years for the extraction of sand to actually stop. The sand miners McCallums Bro’s will keep battling it out in the courts and for as long as this is happening it means they can keep on taking the sand. The growing body of scientific evidence shows how fragile the embayment is, this is a HUGE concern to us.
Can you help Save Our Sand?
To help reduce the level of ongoing mining damage to our Mangawhai – Pakiri beaches , we are asking all users of concrete to say NO! to concrete supplied that uses sand from these treasured beaches. Will you help us ask the question loud and clear - "WHERE IS YOUR SAND COMING FROM? "
Sand is used for the construction of everything - buildings, bridges and roads. It must come from somewhere, but not at the expense of our beautiful beaches, wildlife and the communities that live there. There are already alternatives - currently 75% of all of Auckland Sand comes from an alternative more sustainable supply system - so will you seek them out and not pour Pakiri into your pavement?
So, whether you are in the construction industry or about to do a home renovation job you can make a huge difference.
1. Look for the alternatives. Use recycled and alternative materials to sand.
https://productspec.co.nz/media/f2ebqrwk/architects-booklet-eco-glass.pdf
Recycled concrete https://atlasconcrete.co.nz/recycling/
2. Avoid overconsumption of concrete with good design.
3. Ask “Where is your sand coming from?” and seek suppliers that don't source Pakiri sand.
Together we are stronger. Let your buying power change the future for this precious beach.
Thank you from the Friends of Pakiri Beach.
Website Link: Stopsandmining.co.nz
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/StopSandMining/
To Donate: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/stop-sandmining-save-our-beaches-the
Website Link: Stopsandmining.co.nz
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/StopSandMining/
SAND MINING
Why is Mangawhai Sand so important to Mangawhai?
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The sand at Mangawhai is originally from the Waikato River, which up until 1,800 years ago emptied into the Firth of Thames. A huge volcanic eruption then blocked the river at Lake Karapiro and redirected it to Raglan. The importance of this is that the Mangawhai sands are not able to be replenished. Every grain of sand we have must be treasured and protected.
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For this reason the MHRS is strongly opposed to current coastal sandmining consents being extended, for an additional 35 years, the the extraction of 25,000,000 tonnes. If allowed to proceed this will have a devasting impact on our coastline, sandspit and harbour.
Pakiri Beach is a spectacular beach with glistening white sand. The quartz grains are so ancient and well rounded that when you walk on this sand, it squeaks.
Friends of Pakiri Beach was formed out of love for this beach.
Website Link: Friends of Pakiri Beach