%label%
%sku%%description%
Landscape solutions that restore, establish, and protect.
The Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society (MHRS), in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and a dedicated volunteer network, is delivering an ongoing coastal restoration programme to stabilise vulnerable sections of the Mangawhai Sandspit. Combining dune fencing with large-scale native planting, the project is rebuilding foredunes, reducing erosion, and strengthening the resilience of this nationally significant coastal environment.
Following a successful trial of Advance Landscape Systems’ Natural Hessian Dune Fencing, MHRS selected the product for subsequent stages of the restoration project due to its proven performance and environmentally sensitive design.
The project aims to restore and stabilise the Mangawhai Sandspit by encouraging natural sand accumulation, establishing native dune vegetation, and creating resilient foredunes that help protect the coastline from ongoing erosion and storm events.
The Mangawhai Sandspit is exposed to strong coastal winds, shifting sands and periodic storm surges, creating ongoing challenges for dune stability and native plant establishment. The restoration team required a solution capable of performing in harsh coastal conditions while supporting dune formation and avoiding the long-term environmental impacts associated with traditional plastic windbreak fencing.
Advance Landscape Systems’ Natural Hessian Dune Fencing is custom made using specific methods and materials to ensure it stands up to harsh coastal elements. This fencing was installed across targeted sections of the sandspit to capture wind-blown sand and encourage the natural formation of protective foredunes. During installation, sand was mechanically placed approximately one-third to halfway up the fencing before natural wind action continued building the dunes over time.
The biodegradable hessian fencing provided temporary shelter for establishing native dune species while naturally decomposing once its role was complete. This offered an environmentally responsible alternative to plastic fencing, eliminating the risk of long-term plastic waste or microplastics within the coastal environment.
The dune fencing programme is complemented by ongoing large-scale planting of native dune species, including spinifex and pīngao. Since the restoration programme began, more than 150,000 native plants have been established across the sandspit, supported by annual seed collection, propagation and planting initiatives involving MHRS volunteers, local community groups and DOC.
Following installation, the Natural Hessian Dune Fencing quickly began trapping wind-blown sand, creating sheltered conditions that supported the successful establishment of spinifex and pīngao. Mechanical placement of sand during installation, combined with natural wind action, enabled the dunes to continue building naturally over time.
The project has also demonstrated the resilience of the fencing in demanding coastal conditions. Despite exposure to strong winds, storm surges and shifting sands, the majority of the dune fencing remained in place and continued performing as intended, capturing significant volumes of sand and helping rebuild vulnerable sections of the foredune.
As designed, the hessian fabric remained intact long enough to stabilise initial sand drifts and protect young plantings before naturally biodegrading, leaving no long-term plastic waste behind. Encouraged by the results, MHRS continues to maintain and expand the dune fencing network as part of its long-term restoration strategy, helping create a stronger, more resilient coastal landscape for future generations.
Our trade account customers enjoy regular purchasing options with prompt service and competitive trade pricing. They also gain access to our exclusive, customised products tailored to their needs. Conditions apply to qualify for a trade account — contact our team today to learn more!
For large projects or landscaping jobs, you can easily submit a bulk pricing request. Our team will review your needs and get in touch with a tailored quote. We’re here to help you get the best value for your project.