Guy Burns, Deputy Chair of the Raumati Paraparaumu Community Board is disturbed that Kapiti Coast District Council is threatening to fine people $750 for driving or parking on Kapiti Beaches. Reference
Karl Webber and his van, from the Kapiti Observer article
“Prosecution would be based on a 2009 bylaw which has its foundation on wet, soft, slippery sand.
“Firstly; the bylaw also upholds customary rights — and the right to use the beach as a road has been around for over 100 years [definitely since the 19th century, see this map from 1886 – Eds]
“Secondly; the beach was once a highway known as the Old Coach Road and ownership of the area is confusing and unclear. There may be no legal foundation for the bylaw (or prosecution) on parts of the beach.
“Thirdly; KCDC contractors and staff regularly drive on the beach.
“I urge KCDC to reconsider their threats against locals, whanau and visitors to Kapiti Coast and amend their draconian bylaw.”
Is it too much to be able to walk anywhere without the din of vehicles, and in particular the often reckless, selfish manner by which they are driven? Why should there have to be a rush to leash dogs and take children in hand because some people are too pathetic to be bothered walking? I have confronted a biker gang of several dozen some years back, on Paraparaumu-Raumati Beach, and numerous other miscreants and without exaggeration have seen parents and children in shock and fear at the way certain motorists have driven along the beaches. Why should the enjoyment of others be disregarded for the sake of those who are unable to be parted from machinery at any given time? The beach as a road? .Pathetic. Stick the ‘customary rights’.