We know this is going to be a long journey.
The Department of Conservation manages this Crown-owned recreation reserve and the wide strip leading to it.
Therefore we need DOC's permission to secure improved public access to Taronui, so that tangata whenua, surfers, snorkellers and families of today and the future can enjoy this coastal wonderland.
With the help of coastal management expert Jeremy Gibb we have refined our goal as follows: 'To restore, enhance and maintain public access to the Taronui coastal-marine area in perpetuity’.
We have met with Ngāti Rēhia and are nervously waiting for the outcome of their next board meeting, as the hapu's support for this campaign is crucial.
But DOC is hard to please. Initial meetings with staff indicate that the department is not convinced that this petition, signed by 6,730 people, is an indication of public support.
DOC, with its limited resources, does not want to spend money or take on more work.
However at the end of the day DOC will by guided by the public, so it is up to us to confirm that this access to the coast is what we, the public, really want.
We are aware of the importance of managing impacts on the environment and acknowledge that there are management issues to consider, such as:
* maintenance of the road
* reserve management
* provision of a toilet
* signage
* hours of use
* parking
* prohibition of dogs
* protection of tapu areas
* encouragement of a ‘pack it in, pack it out’ mentality for rubbish.
* protection of kaimoana from increased public access - options include mataitai, rahui.
* prevention of overnight camping
There will be many obstacles put in our path but none are insoluble, if they are met with sensitivity, love of the coastal environment, enthusiasm and good sense.
We will be drafting a number of options with associated consequences, and invite ideas and comments from you, as well as signatures on this petition.
Please email kerimolloy2@gmail.com
We will be delighted to receive some smart ideas to put into the mix.
The pic shows Elliott's Bay beach, from the rocky point within the recreation reserve.