Waimārama Beach proposal would ban cars and utes, require ATV permits

Vehicle access to Waimārama Beach could be tightened under proposals being considered by Hastings District Council.

The council is seeking feedback on two changes.

One would amend the existing bylaw for Hastings beaches to allow more flexible vehicle restrictions, including different rules for vehicle types, permits, approvals and exemptions.

The other, if the bylaw amendment is adopted, would introduce new rules for Waimārama, including new vehicle access and a permit system for eligible ATVs.

Vehicle access to Waimārama Beach has been a long-standing issue for the local community, with concerns raised about unsafe and disruptive driving, risks to other beach users and damage to dunes and the wider coastal environment.

The dispute gained momentum in late 2023 after Ngāti Kahungunu chair and Waimārama resident Bayden Barber placed boulders at a beach access point.

Currently, vehicles are banned from about 1km of the beach between 8am and 8pm from Labour Weekend until the end of April.

Under the proposal, the full length of Waimārama Beach would be controlled, with vehicles not allowed unless the driver held a mobility parking permit or council beach permit.

Beach permits would only be available for ATVs.

Other vehicles, including cars, utes and two-wheel motorbikes, would not qualify unless exempt.

A one-off permit fee of $30 is proposed, with no annual renewal required.

Exemptions would apply for emergency and surf lifesaving vehicles, and boat launching would be allowed without a permit in specified areas.

The restrictions would apply regardless of which access point was used.

The council can already ban vehicles from beaches in the district through a publicly notified resolution.

The first proposed amendment would make that power more flexible, but further restrictions or bans would not be introduced at any beach other than Waimārama.

Kahuranaki Ward councillor Elisha Milmine said vehicle access at Waimārama had been a challenging issue, with a wide range of views in the community.

"We've heard from people who want greater restrictions on vehicles, as well as people who want to retain vehicle access to the beach," Milmine said.

She said the proposal was about finding the right balance – protecting the safety of the community and beach users, while recognising the importance of vehicle access for those who need or value it.

"Waimārama is an important place for a lot of people, and this proposal has come from a significant amount of work with the Waimārama community.

"Now we want to hear what the wider community thinks before any final decisions are made."

The proposal follows consultation in 2023 and 2024 with the community and the work of the Waimārama Working Group, made up of representatives from local organisations, mana whenua, police, emergency services and other community groups.

A spokesperson for the council said no decisions had been made.

They encouraged people to have their say before consultation closes at 5pm on Friday, October 25, 2026.

"If you don't agree with some or all of the proposals, please outline in your submission what you would prefer to see happen."

Feedback and relevant information would be considered before the council decides whether to adopt, change or reject the proposals.

To submit, go to the council's website or pick up and submit hard-copy forms at Heretaunga Hastings Libraries in Hastings, Havelock North and Flaxmere, and at the council customer service centre, 207 Lyndon Road East, Hastings.

The trial that informed the proposal

To help understand beach movements and behaviour, a trial was held over summer 2025/26.

It included an unlocked gate at Airini Road, advisory signs, vehicle monitoring and a community survey.

Over 35 days, 2773 vehicle movements were recorded at the Airini Road entrance.

Almost half were ATVs - the remainder included cars, utes, motorbikes and tractors.

The survey found 55% of respondents noticed improvement in vehicle behaviour and 43% felt safer since the gate was installed.

However, unsafe or disruptive behaviour continued to be reported, with 49% saying there had been no change in how safe they felt.

Overall, the trial showed that the gate and signs influenced some behaviour, but voluntary compliance alone did not resolve underlying safety and enforcement issues.

Police feedback to council supported further control and permits.