Category: News

I purchased a house at WaikawaBeach in 2000. What attracted me to this area was the peace and serenity, no shops or other commercial activity and the lack of traffic which made the area safe for my family and grandchildren to walk or ride on bikes around the settlement. It was surrounded by rural zoned land which we believed would ensure that it remained that way. It was also recognised as the most crime free of all the Horowhenua coastal communities.

Three years ago a subdivision was approved for the nearby Strathnaver Glen, access to which is through WaikawaBeach. Residents were informed at the time that the subdivision would comprise 28 lifestyle sections with only two that could be further subdivided. We now find that many of these other sections are also being subdivided into up to ten sections each.

The ratepayers of WaikawaBeach were let down on that occasion.

I am naturally opposed to any significant increase in the size of the settlement and therefore are opposed to any sub division which includes high density housing. I believe that the proposed subdivision is in rural zoned land and also within the Coastal Environment. It would destroy the present tranquil atmosphere and the increased numbers would place additional pressure on the already fragile eco system of the area. This includes the loss of some of the wet lands and increased traffic in the sand dunes. The present WaikawaBeach access road is unsuitable for increased traffic and its junction at State Highway 1 is similarly inadequate. The access to the beach at present is only per favour of 2 landowners and any increase in numbers using this may result in that privilege being withdrawn. Increased numbers would also cause irreparable damage to the sand dune areas which, with present traffic, have a very fragile stability.

Waikawa Beach is a close knit community. This is demonstrated at the annual meeting of ratepayers when up to 100 residents attend to hear District and Local Councillors who have said that it is the best attended meeting of any community in the Horizons District. It is my opinion that this happy liaison between the local authorities and the community will suffer if the proposed subdivision is allowed to proceed.

This was the first Annual General Meeting of the WBRA. 60 people attended.

Some points from the AGM:

• The Committee was reduced to 6 plus Chair and Secretary.
• Mr Ken Dalzell was re-elected as Chair.
• Secretary: Mr Stan Calvert; Committee: Mr. M Hurn, Mark Edwards, Alistair McKay, C. H. Spidy, Dr. Shirtcliffe, C. Mackie.
• All members were asked to make a $5 contribution to fund the river works.

Some points from the Report:

• In 1974 concern about erosion of the western river bank led to the formation of the Association.
• The Committee were clear that they did not want the character of the river as a desirable swimming and boating facility to be changed.
• The bridge was repaired.
• The area was cleaned up and rubbish bins were to be available over the holidays, but there would be no regular rubbish collection.
• A trial found the Fire Brigade could be on scene within 12 minutes of receiving a call.
• Tree planting was expected to go ahead.
• The Post Office promised a public call box.
• A 30 Kph speed limit was not possible but safety measures were to be instituted.