In 2009 apparently a survey of Waikawa Beach residents was conducted by Corydon Consultants Ltd.
On 12 January 2011 the WBRA published results.
Of particular interest to me were a couple of items relating to vehicles on the beach.
Topic 5: Safety
Almost all of the respondents who thought there were safety issues in Waikawa mentioned traffic - either the danger of traffic to others, the danger to motorists due to particular factors, the danger and damage caused by vehicles on the beach.
18 respondents mentioned:
Vehicles in sand-dunes and on beach - increasing numbers, speed; careless behaviour; underage drivers; causing damage
Topic 6: Qualities about Waikawa most valued by residents
It seems the most valued qualities included:
Quality of natural environment: birdlife, views from the beach, beach (safe, clean), dunes, rural surrounds, variety of walks, river and sea together, climate, whitebait, lack of pollution, river (shade, estuary), unspoilt nature, natural beauty. unspoilt feel, access to coast.
Atmosphere: peace and quiet, relaxing. solitude, tranquillity, serenity, relaxed and slow small settlement.
Topic 6.2: Qualities about Waikawa not liked by residents
High on the list was:
Vehicles on the beach was the next most frequently mentioned dislike. Factors contributing to this was the extent to which they spoilt the recreational experience for others and the danger they posed to pedestrians as well as the damage being done to the natural environment. One respondent noted.
These vehicles are being displaced from other beach areas which have banned or restricted their use. An outright ban may be difficult due to the amount of private land adjacent to the beach and reserves but at a minimum, a code of practice must be developed.
One item on the associated table specified:
Vehicles on the beach: speeding: uncaring. unthinking, irresponsible; damaging dunes; scaring bird-life, destroying shell-fish beds; "hoons", kids riding farm bikes recklessly.
The Survey information was originally posted on the WBRA blog. Quotes are taken from the images on that post.
