The Te Tumu Kaituna 7B2 planting begins today with community members asked to get involved to preserve the area.

The Te Tumu Kaituna 7B2 property is an 18 hectare block of coastal land between Papamoa and the Kaituna River, which both Nga Whenua Rāhui and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council have been working to protect and restore the dunes in.

Chairman Te Tumu Kaituna 7B2 Tom Walters, consultant archaeologist Lynda Walter, Coast Care Contractor Chris Ward, Te Tumu Kaituna 7B2 Trustee Manu Pene and Land Management Officer Pim de Monchy inspecting some of the newly built fencing to protect the dunes from vehicles, stock and rabbits.

The indigenous dune vegetation has been ring fenced to exclude vehicles and stock.

A smaller 8 hectare portion of the land has also been surrounded by a special rabbit-proof fence made of marine grade stainless steel mesh.

Those looking to help are asked to meet at the very end of Papamoa Beach Rd (closest to Maketu) at 9:30am sharp so you can be taken through the locked gate and onto a very special dune area which has recently been fenced to exclude rabbits.

For more details contact Pim de Monchy, Land Management Officer on 021 649 818.