Everyone welcome at coastal feedback sessions

Published on 03 June 2022

Members of the community interested in Whanganui’s coastline and beaches are invited to the Duncan Pavilion on Thursday, 9 June between 10.30am and 2.30pm for the first coastal action plan community drop-in session.

At 11.00am and again at 1.00pm visiting coastal scientist, Jim Dahm, will give a short talk on coastal processes shaping Castlecliff and Kai Iwi beaches and outline some existing and potential issues and management possibilities.

“We would like to warmly welcome everyone along to what is essentially a two-way information-sharing session,” Jim says.

“We will share a little of the science and potential options – so people understand the natural processes going on at the coast and the pros and cons of various options for the future – but the key is really hearing from locals and beach users to find out more about how they interact with Castlecliff and Kai Iwi beaches, and the values they want to see protected and enhanced in the future.

“We’ll be asking about people’s history and experiences with the coast and for ideas to make these beaches even better for the community to enjoy in the future.”

Whanganui District Council’s policy manager, Elise Broadbent, says community feedback and survey responses will feed into a draft coastal action plan for Castlecliff and Kai Iwi which the community will be consulted on later this year.

She says Whanganui District Council is working with Iwi and community groups to develop the plan and is being guided by their input.  

“In coming years, we imagine community groups will lead many of the actions in the ten-year plan, so it’s vital we hear from the community now to build a robust plan that integrates local and traditional knowledge with the science.

“We’d like our coastal action plan to be truly by the community and for the community,” Elise Broadbent says.

The final plan will be a ‘living document’, reviewed and updated regularly to reflect any changes in scientific data, community aspirations and access to funding.

“We’d encourage everyone interested to come along – tamariki are welcome and light refreshments will be served,” Elise Broadbent says.

Those who can’t make it on Thursday, 9 June will be able to attend one of the following community drop-in sessions:

• Friday, 10 June: 11.00am-2.00pm at the Alexander Library | Te Rerenga Mai o Te Kāuru
• Saturday, 11 June: 10.30am-2.30pm at the Duncan Pavilion, Castlecliff
• Sunday, 12 June: 10.30am-2.30pm at the Rapanui Mowhanau Community Hall.

Jim Dahm will give a short talk at 11.00am and 1.00pm at each session.

The online survey will be live on this link from Thursday, 9 June www.whanganui.govt.nz/coastal-action-plan closing Friday, 15 July.