Efforts by the Hastings Council to sort Waimārama Beach vehicle access have been stymied by the wide range of opinions delivered via recent consultations.

Two rounds of consultation led HDC to produce a ‘hybrid’ solution, extending the Waimārama Beach vehicle ban from the southern end of the beach adjacent to the end of Harper Road going north to a point 1.7km north of Tiakitai Road beach access.  The ban would have been all day, every day, year-round; with two designated boat/fishing access points.

However, this approach was roundly rejected by 81% of submitters in another round of consultation, with some wanting more stringent beach protection, some less.

So in early August a Waimārama Working Group consisting of reps of various viewpoints, chaired by Sophie Siers, was formed to try and sort the matter. That Group apparently reached a consensus proposal.

They proposed the introduction of a trial bylaw for a 12-month period, based on a permit system.  Only 4-wheel quads and side by sides would be permitted vehicles on the beach, with 2 wheel motorbikes, cars and utes banned. During summer (Labour Weekend – Easter) permitted vehicles could access the beach from Airini Road and travel north only.  During winter permitted vehicles could access the beach from Airini Road, and travel anywhere on the beach, north or south.

However, legal technicalities get in the way of trialling this scheme in the upcoming season.

So the HDC’s new recommended bylaw as well as the Working Group proposal have been tabled for now by HDC, meaning the existing bylaw remains in place pending further sorting (and consultation!) next year.

As HDC explains the effect of its resolution adopted last week: 

“Adopting this recommendation would see the status quo bylaw apply  for the 2024/25 summer  with vehicle restrictions in place from Labour weekend to 30 April 2025.  It is proposed that, within the context of those existing restrictions, additional steps will be taken to address the impacts of vehicles on the beach this summer season.  

“In this regard, Officers will seek to improve signage and beach user education, assess the access point at Airini Road regarding beach user and vehicle access; work in conjunction with the Police in terms of education and enforcement of the existing vehicle ban area, and current 20km/h speed limit.  

“Officers will seek to monitor the situation over summer, in terms of numbers, behaviours and issues.  This will provide useful information for Council when it considers the matter next year.”

And so the wheels spin in the sand!