In February 2018 the track at the end of Manga Pirau Street allowing vehicles access to Waikawa Beach was wiped out by Ex Tropical Cyclone Gita. With no official track, locals took matters into their own hands, carving out a chunk of privately owned land without seeking permission from the owner, and trying to use vehicles on tracks that are exclusively for pedestrians.
This has caused us to examine the question of safe, secure, sustainable access for all to the beach, including pedestrians, horses and vehicles. There are many competing, and sometimes conflicting needs.
Some ratepayers also hold the opinion that all vehicles should be barred from the beach and not given access at all.
If you’re interested in access to the beach, then the On Track Waikawa mailing list is for you.
There will also be a Public Meeting at Manakau Hall at 2 pm on Saturday 19 May 2018 to discuss the issues and find a solution that allows vehicles, horses and pedestrians beach access, while staying safe and protecting the environment. That meeting is open to anyone and everyone who is interested in matters to do with access to Waikawa Beach.
Please attend that meeting whatever opinions you hold, so we can have a community discussion that considers all points of view. The goal of the meeting will be to find next steps with broad support amongst our community.