In one big blow in July sand advanced 30m toward the playground and access road at Turakina Beach, says Rangitikei District Council parks manager Athol Sanson.
Residents of coastal Koitiata village had already been worried the playground and road might be swallowed up by advancing dunes and sought council help.
If the sand isn't stopped prevailing winds could move the dunes on to houses next.
The council decided the problem needed fixing and set aside $10,000 to tackle it over the next few years.
So far a combined effort by the council and residents is keeping the sand in place.
Mr Sanson got advice from a Conservation Department expert. Council staff and residents collected seed from native sand-binding plants in early March.
Six species were collected, including a native convolvulus, spinifex and pingao. They are now being grown in nurseries, ready for planting next year.
In the meantime some non-native marram grass has been planted. It wasn't ideal, Mr Sanson said, and would be removed when the native plants were established.