Auckland Council have announced a ban on motorised vehicles from Muriwai Beach during high-risk and peak summer periods for the next three years.
The decision comes as part of a commitment to manage the impact from vehicles on significant ecosystems bordering Muriwai Regional Park.
Physical barriers will be installed to manage the closures and signage will go up prior to the restrictions.
The beach will be closed to vehicles from this year, starting from December 29 to January 14, 2024. The following closure will be from December 31, 2024 to January 13, 2025, followed by December 31, 2025 to January 12, 2026.
The measures will also include closing the beach to vehicles during Guy Fawkes for the very first time this year, to mitigate fire risk to the area.
Planning, Environment and Parks Committee deputy chairwoman Councillor Angela Dalton says the decision provides a consistent approach to address ongoing safety concerns at Muriwai Beach and continues efforts to protect ecology in the regional park.
"Every summer, vehicles on Muriwai Beach create safety issues and concern around driver behaviour. We need to ensure a responsible pathway is chosen to manage this risk and address some of the long-term damage associated with driving on the beach.
"Closing the beach to vehicles for short periods is a great compromise, given that many people would like us to go much further with restrictions," Dalton said.
Auckland Council's Regional Parks principal specialist Stephen Bell says "people need to understand how fragile this environment is and to be aware of how they impact on their surroundings, especially other visitors, shorebirds and animals on the beach".
Fire and Emergency New Zealand have given their support to these restrictions, given the heightened fire risk during summer.
Further measures are being considered for the future, including additional vehicle restrictions and permit charges.
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