Harvesting spinifex seeds on the Mangawhai sandspit

30 Jan, 2023

Recently members of the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society (MHRS) – including David Bassett, John Pearson, Kevin Eddington, Peter Wethey and Dave Hurley – joined with residents from Tern Point for the annual harvesting of spinifex seeds, which are then nurtured to seedling stage for planting along Mangawhai’s iconic sand spit.

This is sustainable environmental management at its best. Spinifex, along with pingao, are sand binders, helping to trap wind-blown sand while still allowing some sand movement which is vital for a healthy dune.

The planting program is conducted each year by the MHRS under the guidance of DOC, helping to maintain the health of the sandspit, which provides protection for the harbour and the wonderful bird life that the spit is home to, including the NZ fairy tern.