# data[].attributes.body
There is a walk along Green Bay to Blockhouse Beach that is only accessible at low tide. Children observe and record the changes in the tide each day, noticing the difference, discussing why this is, can they predict when there will be low and high tide. Children need to use the information to be able to plan a safe crossing of the walk on a certain day. (Obviously teachers will double check this for safety). The timing needs to be such that can walk there and back while the tide is low enough. Include timings for a break/a snack at the far end of the walk) (Maths and Science)

# data[].attributes.headline
STEM Lesson 5                                                   Research traditional Māori fishing methods, including the rituals and restrictions that need to be followed.  Design and make a fishing tool that will successfully catch fish, using only the resources that were traditionally available to Māori. For example flax, plants, wood, stone. (Technology and Engineering)          

# data[].attributes.subject
STEM Lesson 5                                                   Research traditional Māori fishing methods, including the rituals and restrictions that need to be followed.  Design and make a fishing tool that will successfully catch fish, using only the resources that were traditionally available to Māori. For example flax, plants, wood, stone. (Technology and Engineering)          

# data[].attributes.headline
Te Ara : Encyclopedia of NZ  A wonderful searchable encyclopedia of NZ History, including information on traditional Māori fishing methods and rituals. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Te Ara : Encyclopedia of NZ  A wonderful searchable encyclopedia of NZ History, including information on traditional Māori fishing methods and rituals. 

# data[].attributes.body
Collect rubbish from the beach. Sort into groups of types of rubbish and graph the data. (Maths) Research the problems with different types of rubbish and also how long each type takes to breakdown. Take some sort of social action to effect change (e.g. new/more/better design rubbish bins or public local meetings, posters, ads on social media etc) (Technology /Science)

# data[].attributes.headline
STEM Lesson 3               Research a Heritage Building at Blockhouse Beach. Research the architecture and significance of the building in the area. Design and build a model of it using lolly sticks, glue, cardboard and other materials.                   (Maths and Engineering)

# data[].attributes.subject
STEM Lesson 3               Research a Heritage Building at Blockhouse Beach. Research the architecture and significance of the building in the area. Design and build a model of it using lolly sticks, glue, cardboard and other materials.                   (Maths and Engineering)

# data[].attributes.body
Investigate the seawall that was built 80 years ago. Examine how it prevents erosion. Research and compare with other erosion prevention methods and identify advantages and disadvantages. Design and create a model of a seawall (lolly stick, lego bricks, other small objects). If it is possible - particularly at High School -, build an actual sea wall. (Technology and Engineering).

# data[].attributes.body
Measure (Maths) an area of the rockpools to use as a sample and find, identify and count the different varieties of sea life and the number of them.(Science) Sort them into species and display info in a graph (Maths). Could extend further for older children by researching the "normal" amount of sealife, and test the water to see if the water is in any way polluted. Attempt to take social action; contact community groups etc if it is found to be polluted (Science).

# data[].attributes.body
In depth website looking at coastal sea life including how to identify a vast variety of sea and coastal animals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
On this page you will find useful information and resources on New Zealand's marine flora and invertebrate fauna.

Fact sheets

The following links provide general information and guides on invasive sea squirts and seagrass found in New Zealand's marine environments.

Marine identification guides

Coralline algae - this guide covers the common crustose coralline algae found in central New Zealand.

E-guides

Where in New Zealand might you find a witchy finger sponge, Neptune's necklace or a pie-crust crab?

The answer will be found in New Zealand's first series of electronic identification guides for marine algae and invertebrates. Initially launched in 2012, these guides were designed to help amateur marine biologists at the beach and in the water this summer. You can download the guides for free.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Useful information and resources on New Zealand's marine flora and invertebrate fauna.

# data[].attributes.body
A bank of information about NZ History including Māori history and the land wars in which Blockhouse Bay was an important part.

# data[].attributes.body
A fantastic description of the Blockhouse Bay walks including a recount of the history of the area and it highlights places and buildings of historical interest and importance.

# data[].attributes.body
An encyclopedia of NZ native birds with a step by step process to help you identify any you have seen. Includes sound clips of bird calls.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
New Zealand Birds Online - The digital encyclopaedia of New Zealand birds. A collection of images, sound files and information about New Zealand’s unique bird species.

# data[].attributes.body
An interesting explanation of coastal erosion and how to hold it back using seawalls.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Are you worried about coastal erosion? Does your local council have a rising seawater plan? Have they made you sign waivers about where you can and can't build on your coastal property? The truth is, you can hold back the sea, protecting your land and your property. By building stone seawalls, our team at Auckland Stonemasons do it all the time.

Site inspection and sea wall plan

Every area around Auckland, the wider North Island and South Island needs a different application to suit the environment. You want to be sure that the sea wall we design and build is going to be fit for purpose.

We'll visit the proposed site, study maps and weather patterns, as well as the geography of the area to see what we're going to find once we break ground. We'll create a rough budget of what we estimate the project will cost.

We'll finalise this budget once we've finished our construction plans and sea wall designs.

Finalising and signing off sea wall plans

A specialist coastal engineer signs off on all our sea wall construction plans. Our team of Master Stonemasons will do the actual designing, based on our own experience, and the experience that comes with being fifth generation stonemasons and sea wall builders.

We can show that there will be minimal environmental impact from us working in the area.

The next step, and sometimes the longest phase, is getting the plans consented by your local council.

Just because we can't build during this time does not mean our team is sitting idle. We are sourcing local stone suitable for building the seawall, and roughly squaring up the face stones, so when we get the green light we are all ready to go.

Excavating the back of the seawall

Our masons will excavate and dig the back bank and foundation of the sea wall all at once. At this stage, there is still a bank of soil between the water and where our teams are working. We've got lots of different processes and techniques we can use depending on the type of soil in the sub base.

We'll form the slope of the wall in the bank and dig to an even grade all in one hit. We'll construct the foundation and the back of the stone sea wall all in one tide to avoid any environmental issues with silt and mud migrating into the coastal marine area.

Building the seawall face

The rest of the wall needs to be built in sections as the tide goes out. We'll lay the face stone with a fine builders mix. We'll also keep the joints roughly 30mm thick. Part of this is having a nice, uniform look across the entire sea wall. A thicker joint also makes the sea wall easier to maintain. The cement is the weakest part of the wall, and most likely to wear out first. Our proprietary blend is some of the strongest cement available and will easily last for 30 or 40 years before needing any minor maintenance.

The end result is a beautiful looking sea wall that holds back the sea, retains the land above it, and protects your property from rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

Seawalls can protect your land and property

Want to start the process with a chat and a site visit? Our team of stonemasons are based in Auckland, but can travel around the New Zealand to complete your next sea wall. Contact the team at Auckland Stonemasons on (09) 530 8906 today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Seawalls are the most effective way at protecting land and property from storms, slips, rising tide and coastal erosion. If you've seen land slip away after a big storm, you need a stone sea wall.

# data[].attributes.body
A useful website that has all of the Heritage sites in Auckland listed, including several at Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
C 2022 Blockhouse Bay historical society