Western Bay of Plenty District Council is calling on the public to help protect local reserves after a series of incidents involving four-wheel drives and motorbikes caused damage to community spaces and culturally significant sites across the district.
Over recent weeks, reports have been received of vehicles being driven across reserves at Bowentown Domain, Tuapiro Point Reserve, Wilson Park in Waihī Beach and Moore Park in Katikati. The damage has left visible scars on grassed areas and raised concerns about public safety and environmental impacts.
Council officials say the problem extends beyond reserve damage, with trail bikes also being ridden at speed on shared pathways and recreational trails. Several near misses have been reported on the Waihī Beach to Bowentown cycleway, forestry trails in Waihī Beach, and the drainage reserve pathway between Gilfillan Drive and Wills Road in Katikati.
Particular concern has been raised about damage at Bowentown Headland, an area that forms part of Te Hō Pā and Te Kura a Maia Pā, sites of significant cultural and historical importance to mana whenua. Council says the destruction caused by vehicles shows a lack of respect for places that hold deep meaning for local communities.
The council is warning that winter conditions often worsen the problem, as softer ground becomes more vulnerable to tyre damage while also attracting off-road vehicle users seeking muddy terrain.
Under the Western Bay of Plenty District Council Reserves and Facilities Bylaw 2018, motor vehicles and motorbikes are prohibited on public reserves unless they are in designated areas. Deliberate damage to reserve land may also constitute an offence under the Reserves Act 1977.
Council is urging residents to report illegal vehicle activity and provide registration details, photographs or video footage where it is safe to do so. Members of the public can contact the council directly or use the Antenno app to report incidents. Dangerous driving should be reported immediately to Police via 111, while non-emergency matters can be reported through 105.
Officials say protecting reserves is a shared responsibility and are encouraging the community to help preserve public spaces for future generations while ensuring they remain safe, accessible and enjoyable for all users.
