With the increase in European sea trade came an increase in danger and disaster. The swells threatened ships anchored offshore, and by the time the Harbour Board was formed in 1877 more than 20 had wrecked around the Timaru Coastline.
In 1878 work began on Timaru's new breakwater. It changed the currents and created a sandy beach under the cliffs. Today, when you go along the North-South Promenade, you can find markers for mean tides from over the last 135 years.
In 1929, the 400m long Memorial Wall was built with Bronze plaques feature the battlefield names where kiwis served in international wars. This was also the sea wall at the time.
In 2008 the sandy bay was more than 400 m northeast of the memorial wall and the sand will continue to build out until it finds an equilibrium.
In comparison the coast further north is starved of sediment, where for example Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon in 1881 was 253 hectares, but now is about 20. This was one of 15 fishing easements set aside in 1868 by the Native Land Court in to allow Ngāi Tahu to continue the practice of mahinga kai. For the longest time it had the perfect mix of saltwater and freshwater, allowing a diverse range of native species to thrive there. Now a combination of the port, industrial area, SH1 and railway prevent the lagoon from expanding, while the sea pushes the gravel barrier ever inland.
How do you think the changes to the coastline, have impacted the marine life and Mahika Kai (food gathering) in this area?
How does this change make you feel?