A community-led safety initiative will see a gate trialled at the Arini Road vehicle entrance to Waimārama Beach this summer to discourage vehicle use on the beach, Hastings District Council has announced.
Under the Waimārama Beach Bylaw, vehicles are prohibited on the section of beach between the southern rocks and the front of Waimārama Domain, as signposted, between 8am and 8pm every day, from Labour Weekend until 30 April.
Under the NZ road rules, which govern driving on beaches, all vehicles must also comply with New Zealand road rules. This means vehicles must be warranted and registered, drivers must be licensed, and the maximum speed is 20kmh.
Alongside these legal requirements, the Waimārama Working Group is asking that cars, utes and motorbikes are kept off the beach at all times. Quad bikes used to carry fishing gear are the exception to the request; noting that when the bylaw is active, they can only use the gate to access the beach north of Pouhokio Stream.
Council says the working group’s request cannot be enforced, as driving on the beach is allowed outside the bylaw area and bylaw hours. Rather, it is hoped the gate and its safety message sign will discourage drivers from taking vehicles on the beach.
The working group has representation from local marae and hapū, Ngāti Kahungunu, residents, Waimārama Fire Brigade, Waimārama Surf Life Saving Club, Waimārama Marine Club, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, and Waimārama Civil Defence.
The group was brought together to consider safety options, recognising that there were differing views in the community about the need for and type of safety measures.
A camera will be installed at the gate to record vehicle movements. It will provide information on how the community responds to the request, which will be added to other data considered by Council in a planned review of the beach bylaw next year.
Council Chief Executive, Nigel Bickle said Council supported the gate initiative as a way for the community to test solutions.
“We know people care deeply about Waimārama and want it to be safe for everyone. Council has been listening to the different views in the community and supporting ways to trial solutions. This gate trial will give us valuable insight into how people respond.”
Working group chair and Waimārama resident, Sophie Siers encouraged all beach users to support the initiative.
“We encourage everyone to do their part this summer. By working together, we can make the beach a place where our families, fishers and visitors all feel safe and welcome.”
The cost of the gate is included in Council’s wider programme of installing gates that can be locked if needed at Hastings beaches, for use during coastal emergencies.
