* Astronomy

One of New Zealand's North Shore City’s most significant geological features - a 200,000-year-old fossil forest - will get some TLC next week as part of the council’s project to protect Takapuna’s rocky foreshore.

Over time wave action has eroded the base of the foreshore creating a cavity and destabilising the rocks. This threatens the trunk sewer that runs along the shoreline, and the surrounding trees sculpted in solid lava.
North Shore City Council’s wastewater network projects manager, Dave Woods, says the repairs will prevent the sewer from damage and contaminating the beach.
According to well-known Auckland geologist Bruce Hayward, the Takapuna Reef Fossil Forest formed when lava from Pupuke volcano surged through a standing forest thousands of years ago. As the lava cooled around tree trunks, it solidified forming the hundreds of moulds now visible in the reef at the northern end of Takapuna Beach.
Mr Woods says all efforts are being made to ensure the repair work blends in with the coastline.

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