Mana Bay Refreshed with Completed Sand Clearing and Mural

South Taranaki District Council (STDC) has completed the Pātea Mana Bay sand clearing project, restoring access and improving amenity at the popular coastal reserve, alongside the completion of a new community mural that brings local stories and sea life to the same prominent location.

Delivered by local contractor Hayden McColl, the sand clearing works were completed in two stages to minimise disruption. Stage One was finished in early December 2025, ahead of the summer holiday period, with Stage Two finalised in March 2026.

Deputy Mayor Rob Northcott said the project has made a noticeable difference to how the reserve can be used and enjoyed.

“Mana Beach hadn’t been cleared since 2001, and over nearly 25 years sand had built up around key facilities like picnic areas, the playground, public toilets and parts of the riverside edge,” he said.

“That accumulation really limited access and usability, so it’s great to see those spaces opened up again for both locals and visitors.”

The completed works have cleared sand back to the original clay base, revealing historic paths and retaining walls and restoring functionality across the site.

“We’ve been able to uncover original features of the reserve while also improving safety and ease of maintenance,” Rob said.

“Public use areas and riverside spaces are now more accessible, and that helps ensure Mana Beach remains a welcoming place for the community to enjoy well into the future.”

The project was strongly supported by the Pātea Revitalisation co‑design group, who identified Mana Beach and its surrounds as an important community asset within the Council’s wider Pātea Town Revitalisation programme.

“While the work itself was largely maintenance focused, the Rōpū was clear about the importance of doing a thorough clean‑up to protect the long‑term use of this valued coastal space,” Rob said.

Funding for the sand clearing was provided through the Pātea Revitalisation budget, reflecting Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high‑quality public spaces across the district.

With the physical environment refreshed, a creative project has now been completed that further celebrates the character of the area. Located on the side of the toilet block, the Mana Bay Mural Project has been finished, adding colour, storytelling and artistic expression to the site.

“The mural isn’t part of the town revitalisation works, but its location at Mana Beach creates a really natural connection,” Rob said.

“It complements the newly restored surroundings and enhances the experience of the area for residents and visitors alike.”

The mural design draws inspiration from the Pātea reef and features unique species of fish and sponges that reflect the diversity of the local marine environment. Consultation with Project Reef helped inform the content, ensuring the imagery accurately represents local sea life.

Two historical vignettes, inspired by old photographs of the seawalls and river mouth, are also included, weaving together Pātea’s natural environment with its rich coastal and river history.

The Mana Bay Mural Project was facilitated by STDC and funded by the Pātea Historical Society. It is the third mural in their Pātea series and was once again created by acclaimed mural artist Dan Mills.

Adding to its strong community focus, students from Pātea Area School, Whenuakura School and Kakaramea School took part in the painting process, offering local rangatahi a hands‑on opportunity to engage with art, history and place.