Mount Maunganui, a serene and picturesque beach town in New Zealand, is facing a growing threat to its tranquility and safety. The central business district (CBD) and the base of the Mount are increasingly becoming hotspots for noisy and dangerous driving behavior. This problem is largely due to vehicles with 'tuned for loud' exhaust systems that blatantly disregard local noise bylaws and create disturbances in our residential community.

Residents and visitors alike are subjected to the constant roar of engines, particularly during late-night hours and week-ends. This not only disrupts the peace but also poses significant safety risks due to speeding. Areas densely populated with pedestrians, including families, elderly citizens, and tourists, are particularly vulnerable to the hazards posed by reckless driving. Similarly, biking around the streets of the Mount is hazardous and an "accident waiting to happen."

According to the New Zealand Transport Agency, vehicle noise is not just an annoyance, but a hazard that can contribute to stress and sleep disturbances. Furthermore, data shows that areas with high incidences of noisy vehicles often report increased accidents due to reckless driving behaviors.

Tourists visiting the Mount are not impressed with the Mount as a place to stay and warn other tourists away - this is a comment posted online from British Expats.com as an example:  

"Just stayed 2 nights at Mt Maunganui. I do not recommend to overnight in ANY accommodation near Mt Maunganui CBD, Marine Parade and Mt Maunganui Road.

Reason: Loud, noisy traffic generated by very loud cars ("boy racer" kind of youth) circling the Mt Maunganui CBD with high rev engines and modified exhaust systems.

Area: Mt Maunganui CBD, Marine Parade and Mt Maunganui Road

Times: between 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM Fridays and weekends. As I was told, as usual, council, police and OFC are showing no response to end this problem. Nobody feels responsible, nobody takes action.

Tip: do not send your guests (or yourself) into this otherwise beautiful
area for accommodation."

               So as you can see, our tourists are upset as well! 

We urge local authorities, including the Tauranga City Council and the New Zealand Police, to take immediate action to address these issues.

This should include strict enforcement of existing noise bylaws, the introduction of speed-reducing measures such as speed cameras, speed bumps, judder bars, and reduced speed limits.

Traffic calming needs to be instituted - moving traffic one way around the Mount streets, widening pedestrian walkways in commercial/CBD areas to slow traffic and improve community atmosphere, redesigning the flow to avoid the "circling of cars" repetitively, and increasing parking volume by decreasing road width to one lane. Think of the traffic calming measures that have been instituted in the Taupo lake front CBD and Napier  - these measures could be hugely effective in resolving these issues,  improving the appeal of the area and curbing anti-social behaviour. It would also be much easier to police and control.

As all parking spots are usually occupied by 6 am in the summer months, there is no utility in having cars making multiple circuits through the Mount for no other reason than to irritate and annoy the residents. 

Safer bike lanes, completely separated from pedestrians and traffic, would also allow people to bring their bikes into the area safely and reduce car congestion. Bike lanes between parking and traffic is not safe. Dedicated bike lanes would  provide safer spaces for pedestrians and family gatherings on the board walk, which is now shared with fast and heavy electric bikes and scooters. 

Importantly, we need the presence of law enforcement during peak hours (evenings, weekends, late night) to control this illegal, disruptive and anti-social behaviour. Police need to have the mandate to fine and control noise and speeding in this residential neighborhood (and all neighbourhoods for that matter).   

Public awareness campaigns could also be beneficial in educating drivers about the impact of their actions on the residential community and the consequences of dangerous and anti-social behaviour - ie: advertising the fines they would incur, the dangers to others and the high degree of annoyance and irritation that they are creating.

There are many solutions that can be synthesized into a common-sense plan, most of which are not costly but simply require thought,  consideration, planning and enforcement.  Residents are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their property. 

Our vibrant town should not be overshadowed by the actions of a few individuals demonstrating irresponsible, antisocial and dangerous behavior. By signing this petition, you will be supporting a safer, quieter, and more community-friendly Mount Maunganui, allowing it to remain a beloved destination for New Zealanders and tourists alike. 

Please add your signature to help us restore peace and safety to our neighborhood and don't forget to SHARE with others - the important thing is getting it out there to as many people as possible. 

Help spread the word.  Promote to our community residents and businesses.

THANK YOU for your support in bringing about this change.