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Story: Iron and steel

Black-sand beach near Kāwhia

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Black-sand beach near Kāwhia

Black iron-rich sands are found along much of the western coast of the North Island. Because of its dark colour, the sand absorbs heat and is hot to walk on in summer. But it is also great for heating a shallow pool dug on the beach.

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GNS Science

Reference: CN32990/7

by Lloyd Homer

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How to cite this page

Fleur Templeton, Iron and steel – Iron – an abundant resource, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/5877/black-sand-beach-near-kawhia (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Fleur Templeton, published 2 March 2009.