Horse riding on tighter rein at Tuapiro Point

27 September 2018

Horse riders will continue to have the use of Tuapiro Point but with some changes to where horses can be ridden, so that areas of cultural significance and ecological sensitivity are protected.

In response to submissions, Council has agreed to changes that provide greater clarity on the area where horses can and cannot go.

Horse riders will be able to continue to use the majority of the area previously allowed but will no longer be permitted beyond the small island (except a 20 metre corridor to allow a loop) located on the estuary side of Tuapiro Point.

Mayor Garry Webber said the goodwill shown by the horse riding community and Ngati Te Wai had enabled both parties to come to the table and work out a good compromise.

We, Council, will now do our bit to ensure that the right regulations and signage are in place so that there is no confusion about the use of Tuapiro Point.

It is in the horse riding community's hands to abide by the rules and respect the cultural and ecological values of this special place. Council can also help educate the community about these values and why it is important to protect them.''

Council will erect new signage that clearly explains where horses are permitted and the responsibilities of horse riders to clean up all horse waste. A code of conduct will be developed for all horse riding areas in the District, to set out the expectations of use.

The proposed change at Tuapiro Point for horse riding went to public consultation from May to July. Open days were held at Katikati, Paengaroa and Waihi Beach, all of which were well attended.

Both Ngati Te Wai and the horse riding community made it clear they wanted to find a compromise that would acknowledge the cultural and environmental issues while retaining what is a popular horse riding area.

A total of 597 submissions from individuals, riding clubs, iwi groups and others were received, of which the majority opposed no longer allowing horse riding at Tuapiro Point.

In addition to the submissions, a petition carrying more than 1500 signatures was delivered on horseback to Council's headquarters at Barkes Corner on 3 August.

Hearings were held on 6 August at which 80 people spoke to their submissions.

The revised Reserves and Facilities Bylaw has been recommended by Council's Policy Committee but has yet to be formally adopted by Council on 1 November 2018. The new bylaw provisions will come into effect on 9 November.

Council has also decided to conduct a broader review of the provision of horse riding areas across the District. This review is intended to take place in 2019/20.

Ends

The minutes from the 6 August hearings and 27 September Policy Committee meeting are now available.

Click here to view the minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the main reason for Council proposing to ban horse riding at Tuapiro Point?

A: Ngati Te Wai hapū expressed concerns to Council regarding degradation of the harbour and damage to kaimoana (shellfish) from horses at Tuapiro Point. Council agreed to consult on a proposal in the draft Reserves and Facilities Bylaw to no longer permit horse riding at Tuapiro Point. This was in response to the concerns expressed by Ngati Te Wai.

Q: Why did Council decide against banning the riding of horses on Tuapiro Point?

A: Of all 597 submissions to the draft bylaw, 96% were against the proposed change. However the horse riding community and Ngati Te Wai hapū expressed a desire to reach a compromise that allowed for horse riding to continue while protecting sites of cultural significance.

Both parties worked together in good faith which led to greater understanding of the issues and agreement that changes needed to be made.

Council has agreed to an amended position which results in a small change to the area where horses can be ridden and there will be improved signage as to the exact route where riding is permitted.

Q: Does this decision to allow horse riding to continue at Tuapiro Point mean that Council will review other beaches where horses are currently permitted/not permitted to be ridden?

A: Council may in the future consider a wider review of horse riding areas in the District. This would involve assessing additional areas where horse riding is permitted - not just beaches. These areas may need to be reflected in the bylaw in the future.

Q: What are the conditions imposed on horse riders who ride on Tuapiro Point?

• Riding will be restricted to the permitted area along the foreshore within a 20-metre corridor, continuing around the point and around the small island which is a natural landmark to signal the turn point. This will ensure the kaimoana beds are not entered.
• The requirement to remove horse waste from all areas of the reserve and foreshore will continue.
• An agreed code of conduct will be developed with the horse riding community, applying to all permitted sites across the District.

Q: How will Council monitor the area to ensure rules are obeyed?

A: Council will be monitoring the area on an ongoing basis.

Q: When does the amended bylaw change come into effect?

A: The new provisions will come into effect on 9 November 2018.