We have received significant support from people with knowledge and experience relating to environmental and coastal management, roading, negotiation and surveying. However we are still missing a legal mind to help us understand exactly what public rights are on the 3.4km conservation strip leading to Taronui. At present it is an official walking track and a vehicle track giving access to four private properties on the way to Taronui.

The only response so far from the Department of Conservation regarding this issue is:  'Public have right to use legally formed roads.' A further request to DOC for more detailed information is as follows:

"I understand the Department of Conservation has received a lawyer's letter relating to the campaign to make it easier for the public to access the Taronui Recreation Reserve, via the Crown-owned conservation strip.
All parties need to have a clear understanding of both restricted and unrestricted legal access to the coast. What are the rights of the public and what are the rights of owners of properties, who currently use the road for vehicle access to their properties? 
I'm sure your legal team has looked at this carefully and it would be very helpful if we can all know, in detail, what we are dealing with so that we can look at options that will restore, enhance and maintain public access to the Taronui coastal-marine area in perpetuity. 
 The aim is to create a situation that will benefit the wider community and landowners, also respecting iwi concerns and environmental issues.I will be grateful if you can supply this information."

This was sent on July 26.

Here's hoping we can at last get this sorted out clearly before we move on with consultation with iwi, DOC and the landowners involved.

If you can help, please email me at kerimolloy2@gmail.com