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Kōrero: Coastal erosion

Erosion, Whakarewa Point

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Erosion, Whakarewa Point

These cliffs at Whakarewa Point are an example of a hard coast, which is slower to wear away than sandy coasts. However, the constant pounding of waves can undermine the cliffs and cause big blocks to tumble down. People who want to build their houses on coastal cliffs should be mindful of the cliffs’ rate of retreat.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

GNS Science

Reference: CN35367/8

by Lloyd Homer

Permission of GNS Science must be obtained before any use of this image.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Willem de Lange, Coastal erosion – Shifting sands, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/6324/erosion-whakarewa-point (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Willem de Lange, i tāngia i te 2 March 2009.