WhakatĀne District Council is carrying out urgent stabilisation work at the mouth of the Maraetōtara Stream in Ōhope after recent changes to the stream channel caused erosion of the sand dunes.

The council said the dunes helped protect nearby homes and were also important wildlife habitat, so it was necessary to quickly to realign the stream and prevent further damage.

Work is expected to be finished by the end of today. Machinery will be operating mostly above the high tide mark. Sand from the western side of the stream mouth will be shifted to rebuild the eastern side, and the stream will be redirected away from the eroding dune.

Maintenance work on existing sand sausages will also be carried out.

Beach users can still pass through the area while work is under way, if they keep below the high tide mark and well clear of machinery.

The council has urged members of the public to take extra care and follow any directions on site. Photo WDC