Pakiri Beach is known for its beautiful white sand and incredible surf. But what many locals may not be aware of is the huge amount of sand being mined from this beach, and its ongoing effects. Every year, 76,000cum are taken in water five to ten metres deep in the Mangawhai-Pakiri embayment: the site of the largest single nearshore sand mining activity in the developed world.

The McCallum Brothers, responsible for much of the mining since 2006, are seeking to renew their consents to continue mining.

The group ‘Friends of Pakiri Beach’ are strongly opposed to this operation and have started a petition to try and gather the support needed to stop the renewal going through. They currently have over 900 signatures.

Mining at Pakiri has been happening for over 80 years, and people who have regularly visited the beach over this time have seen a noticeable difference in the landscape.

(Pakiri Beach early 1900's Photo - Whites Aviation )

( Pakiri Beach 2007, Photo Basil Denee)

Pakiri Beach is a precious ecosystem, home to the Fairy Tern, New Zealand's rarest bird: there are only 40 left. Sand mining has the potential to drastically change their habitat, putting these rare birds at risk.

In 2006, the High Court ruled in favour of sand mining, despite the objections of Pakiri residents and the Auckland Regional Council.

The Environment Court decided that natural sand replenishment would compensate for sand taken, and so has continued to allow mining for the past 14 years. However, coastal scientists don't necessarily agree, saying that only erosion of the sand dunes sand would replace the sand taken.

The Auckland Regional Council has said continued extraction would eventually lead to beach and dune erosion and would spoil the significant natural character of the coastline. 

If you wish to sign the petition to support the stop of this mining, or simply find out more about it, head to https://friendsofpakiribeach.org.nz/