The first full meeting of the new Council today voted to again allow vehicle access at Waikawa Beach via the entrance at 47–49 Manga Pirau Street.
Mayor Bernie Wanden said the decision reflects a careful and considered journey, acknowledging the strong and often opposing views within the community, and the desire for clarity and certainty about how access can work in practice.
“This is a sensible compromise that recognises both the special character of Waikawa Beach and the good work the local Community Group has done to bring together sharply different perspectives,” Mayor Wanden said.
“I’d like to make special mention of local iwi, Ngāti Wehi Wehi, whose guidance and expertise have been essential in ensuring cultural values and environmental considerations remain at the centre of the process.
“We know not everyone will agree with today’s decision. But this approach gives the community, DoC, Horizons and Council the opportunity to test how managed access can operate while protecting the environment and respecting this unique place.”
The Council’s decision follows an extensive period of engagement, including workshops, site visits, and discussions with iwi, agencies and representatives of various Waikawa Community Groups. Through this process, councillors sought to establish a clear, structured pathway that responds to community concerns while providing practical certainty about the immediate next steps.
During the debate, Councillors Jennings and Gray played a key role in proposing a series of additional resolutions that were adopted to strengthen safeguards and ensure clarity for residents. These additions provide direction on signage, environmental monitoring, neighbour privacy measures, and the expectations for respectful behaviour by users of the track.
Councillor Mike Barker, who has been closely involved throughout the journey, said the updated resolutions reflect what the community has been asking for.
“People told us they wanted clarity and confidence about the process,” Cr Barker said. “What we agreed today ensures monitoring, stronger education, and clear expectations for how the track should be used.”
Key aspects of the decision
- A trial period allowing vehicle access to the beach via Council-owned land entered from 47–49 Manga Pirau Street
- Council to apply for an easement with the Department of Conservation to formalise access across DoC land
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Installation of clear signs outlining suitable vehicle types, cultural and environmental expectations, and conditions of access
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Monitoring of driver behaviour, dune and vegetation impacts, and other environmental indicators
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Council to work directly with neighbouring residents to design appropriate privacy and amenity measures such as planting, fencing, screening and parking controls
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A collaborative education campaign to be developed with the Community Group
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Confirmation that this access point is an interim measure only, due to practical and environmental constraints
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Council to continue investigating long-term access options, including potential land acquisition or alternative alignments.
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The Manga Pirau Street access is not expected to be a suitable long-term solution, as vehicles towing boats cannot use it and neighbouring properties are affected. Council will continue exploring long-term options to provide a more enduring and community-supported access point.
For more information, please contact comms@horowhenua.govt.nz