Action needed to protect Turihaua foreshore, SH35

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Opinion

Many will be aware that there is an evolving erosion problem alongside SH35, most recently between Makorori and Pouawa. This matter has been raised in recent years but only immediate threats to the highway seem to command action. The more immediate problems are around Turihaua point, along the Turihaua beach, and at the river mouth.

When concerns are raised there is typically a slow response and much of our very special coastal foreshore has been lost. Treasured camping and recreational areas have gone.

Only a few years ago I drove around the Turihaua Point on the outside of the crash barrier. You could not walk there now. The rail itself is now seriously threatened for at least the third time by erosion from the sea.

Several pohutukawa trees have been consumed by the sea and many others are in imminent danger. Many could be saved.

A very effective protective rock barrier was placed around the south-eastern corner of the Turihaua Bay a few years ago. This has been appreciated by seals. Rock protection has also been carried out near the mouth of the Pouawa river, and very recently under the Turihaua bridge.

When the highway is threatened, action can take place.

It seems elementary that the little of what is left should be protected before erosion further threatens the highway. It would be a valuable investment to rebuild a narrow coastal strip to protect the road and to provide modest parking, to enable people to continue to enjoy our very special coast and marine reserve.

While there are some who might claim that the damage is a consequence of climate change, large quantities of sand were removed from the Pouawa beach up until about 60 years ago. This was approved by local government, however observations suggested that the approved quantities were significantly exceeded.

At that time, relatively small two-axle trucks drove on to the beach and were loaded by shovel.

Our father told us that the Pouawa beach, including the sandhills, receded dramatically during his lifetime.

The survival of SH35 and our beachfront demands urgent action.

Marcus Williams