Community feedback to be sought on Waimārama Beach safety proposals

After gathering feedback on beach safety on Waimārama Beach, Hastings District Council is about to go out to the community with four options for rules on vehicle use on the beach.

Concerns around the safety of beach users from vehicles on the beach were raised by residents and Police late last year.

The options include retaining the status quo, a time extension to the current ban to the full year, an extension of the ban area to Tiakitai Road for the full year, or an extension of the ban area to the northern part of the beach for the full year.

Currently there is a bylaw introduced in 2013 that allows vehicles on the beach, aside from a strip in front of the surf club between 8am and 8pm from Labour Weekend through to 30 April each year.

In response to the recent concerns, Council held a drop-in day at Waimārama Hall, as well as offering online and hard copy feedback forms to get people’s views on what vehicle usage, if any, they thought was appropriate.

More than 500 responses were received, 51 per cent of which were from people who identified themselves Waimārama residents, 44 per cent as non-Waimārama residents and five per cent as non-permanent residents.

Fifty-six per cent of respondents raised safety as being an issue of concern. A wide range of views were captured, and of the solutions proposed 41 per cent of respondents supported a total ban of vehicles on the whole beach at all times, 37 per cent favoured the status quo, 19 per cent called for greater enforcement, nine per cent suggested an extension of the current ban, seven per cent supported some sort of permit system, and 11 per cent called for more either more signage/education about the rules or solutions such as cameras and gates.

While the upcoming consultation is focused on rules for vehicles, Council staff will continue to work with Police on enforcement of the rules that already apply (the bylaw rules, that vehicles must be registered and warranted, and that a speed limit of 20kmh).

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst thanked all of those who had taken the time to put their views forward.

“Safety at Waimārama Beach is a whole-of-community issue, and we want any action we take to be directed by our community.

“People use our beaches in different ways and we need to find a solution that ensures everyone who enjoys spending time there – whether it be for leisure or recreation – can do so safely and in way that does not unreasonably disrupt others’ enjoyment.”

For any of these options emergency vehicles would always retain access to the beach.

14 March 2024

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