July 24, 2019
Gates keep vehicles off Ninety Mile Beach start
A group representing three far north marae has blocked vehicle access to parts of ninety Mile Beach after dirt bikes and four wheel drives ignored a rāhui imposed to allow the beach and dunes to regenerate.
Ahipara Takiwā spokesperson Lisa McNab says the gate to Te Kohanga-Shipwreck Bay is now manned by whānau 24 hours.
There has been some push back by people who think they have a right to access despite it being over Māori-owned land.
"In most instances the support has been one of absolute positivity. It's the ignorant who cause the issue. It's the arrogant who cause the issue. We're focused on educating all folk on what our role is as kaitiaki," Ms McNab says.
The beach is still open, but people have to find other ways to get there.
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