Ruākākā Beach access debate pits tradition against safety and conservation
A proposed bylaw update by the Whangārei District Council has sparked debate over vehicle access to Ruākākā Beach. Local residents and conservationists are divided on whether to allow cars, with some fearing a complete ban. The council has already received complaints about vehicle use on other beaches in the area.
Graham Ellis, who has driven onto Ruākākā Beach for fishing over 1,000 times in the past 20 years, worries the new bylaw could end this tradition. He sees beach driving as part of his family's Kiwi lifestyle and wants to keep accessing the shore with his vehicle.
The council's strategic planner, Will McNab, notes strong public interest in the bylaw review. He highlights recent crashes and complaints about vehicle use on four other Whangārei beaches: Waipu, Urettiti, Paihia, and Raumanga. These issues have raised concerns about safety and environmental impact.
Not everyone agrees with Ellis. Eric Woodward, a North Ruākākā resident, supports a full ban on vehicles along the entire beach. Conservationist David Lourie also backs restrictions but suggests adding more parking to ease the transition. Meanwhile, Police Sergeant Nicholas Miller confirms that officers already patrol the beach regularly for public safety and traffic enforcement.
The Whangārei District Council will now review submissions before deciding on the bylaw changes. If approved, the new rules could reshape how residents and visitors use Ruākākā Beach. The outcome will determine whether vehicles remain a common sight or are restricted for safety and conservation reasons.
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