Probably the last post (excuse the pun)
It appears the assurance from WDC that the bollards would not be installed before a public meeting was held, has been revoked.
The bollards are erected, braced and we suspect will be concreted in today.
Not sure what height they will be, possibly 400 -500mm if they are to stop vehicles.
It appears that two removable bollards have been located to the front strip of beach which we have been told will allow access in the “immediate term” and that “any permanent removal of access to the beach is something that needs further discussion with the whole community alongside Hapu”.
We ask that if you visit and utilize this privilege to access the beach, please keep it to launching your watercraft, fishing etc and ask that you respect the history, others who are present and please do not drive up on to other areas of the grass and sand. Then hopefully this privilege and little part of “kiwi culture” will continue for future generations.
It will obviously be a personal opinion if one will like or dislike the straight lines of concrete, bollards and the manufactured grass area across the top of the beach area. We hope that it is maintained regularly and not left to neglect.
With the rising sea level expected, time will only tell if nature approves and whether the sand remains or disappears, as it has in so many areas where sea walls are created.
Lastly thank you everyone for all discussion on this. There was definitely passion and opinion on both sides, which shows how diverse we are. We had a very short time frame to react to what was happening in our area and hope all this public discussion and your support through this petition will at least bring to the attention of WDC that meetings held with small groups with their own interests and agenda should not be considered “community consultation” no matter how they decide to word it after the fact. We hope that when they come to your area with a project, that they do better.