The (unconfirmed) Minutes of the Horowhenua District Council meeting from 20 March 2024 are now available. At that meeting there was an important discussion scheduled about the future of vehicle access at Waikawa Beach. See HDC report on beach access options for vehicles for 20 March 2024 meeting.
The discussion at the meeting itself was very confusing — at one point proceedings stopped while officers clarified some points among themselves.
The Minutes are similarly convoluted.
Private landowners withdraw access
On the Agenda were two late items: 7.3 Waikawa Beach Vehicle Access-way, and 7.5 Addendum to Item 7.3 Waikawa Beach Access-way.
In the public consultation on vehicle access at Waikawa Beach two options were suggested for vehicle access, both across private land. Item 7.3 on the Agenda contained these two pertinent paragraphs below, pointing out that neither option was now available because the private landowners were withdrawing access (my emphasis):
5.3 Officers have been working closely with the landowners in trying to negotiate a lease agreement. It is essential to note that the landowners do not see providing access over their land as a permanent arrangement, as they have other aspirations for their family land and any access would be granted on a short term basis. What is critical in whatever decision is made regarding beach access is that the mana and interests of the whānau are protected and that they are not unfairly subject to criticism from the community as a result of decisions made by Council.
5.4 Council Officers will continue working with the private landowners to maintain their rights over their land, in a capacity that supports their ambitions as they have graciously provided this service to the community. However, this means Options 1 and 2 are no longer viable at this stage.
New recommendations for Councillors — to delay
This effective removal of both options for vehicle access (the only other option was for no access) led to a supplementary paper and new recommendations for Councillors:
2.4 That Council note that Options 1 and 2 as they were consulted are not viable options at this time.
2.5 That Council lay this matter on the table and consider a decision on Option 3 at its next Council meeting, which will allow for further analysis and advice on the impacts of only now considering one option. OR
2.6 That after hearing submissions on Options 1, 2, 3, and given the general level of support for the provision of a vehicle accessway, that Council pauses the current process and requests the Chief Executive to report back to Council on alternative options to provide vehicle accessway at Waikawa Beach.
A desire to get things right; better access for pedestrians
There was a fair bit of discussion of several points. Some extracts from the Minutes:
During debate, Councillors noted the consultation process has indicated a particular steer that access should be maintained, but that there was need to spend more time to get this matter right.
There was general agreement that improving the existing pedestrian access as important regardless of any other solution implemented.
An alternative view was offered that the table should listen to local iwi who did not support vehicle access, and to note the likely future effects coastal inundation which may make any vehicle access redundant.
All Councillors supported the need to ensure that any process going forward is mindful of and facilitative of a socially cohesive Waikawa Beach community.
A resolution to investigate further
After discussion a resolution was put which was then amended twice. The final resolution which was passed reads (my emphasis):
That after hearing submissions on Options 1, 2, 3, and given the general level of support for the provision of a vehicle accessway, that Council pauses the current process and requests the Chief Executive to report back to Council on potential alternative options to provide vehicle accessway at Waikawa Beach along with the option of not permitting vehicle access.
HDC officers are now consulting with various groups about alternative options and about ways to facilitate a socially cohesive Waikawa Beach community.
