The "Spirit of Mangawhai II", a purpose built dredge commissioned in 2006, has now taken the place of previous dredges. The dredge and support equipment are staffed by a contract company.
The MHRS, which is licensed to both dredge and deposit the sand on harbour fringes, continues within the parameters of the resource consent with a programme of channel dredging and harbour maintenance. This includes pumping sand from sand traps and sand which has been blown into the harbour from the high dune area over the bund wall to minimize the danger of the bund wall being breached. This also serves as a haven for sea birds and, importantly, has created shell banks, the perfect nesting ground for Fairy Terns.
The process of dredging the harbour has not only provided a better flow of water but has also led to the replenishment of sand on the western shore - further enhancing the harbour and providing more recreational beach areas.