Whitebaiters will be banned from camping at Kairaki Beach, north of Christchurch, after threatening behaviour was reported to police last year.
By David Hill of Local Democracy Reporting
The Waimakariri District Council voted to enforce a no camping rule for the area in the council’s Northern Pegasus Bay Bylaw at a council meeting on Tuesday after offering an exemption to whitebaiters last season.
Council senior biodiversity ranger Mike Kwant said police had indicated support for the ban, while it was also recommended by the Northern Pegasus Bay Advisory Group.
He said there were about a dozen campers camping near the mouth last season.
While most were ‘‘quite reasonable’’, there were several instances of antisocial and threatening behaviour reported to police, Kwant said.
‘‘We understand there is an opportunity to make money from whitebait, so people can get a bit greedy and grumpy.
‘‘There are some good spots for whitebaiting without these issues, including at the Ashley Rakahuri River mouth.’’
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Mayor Dan Gordon encouraged whitebaiters to make use of the nearby Kairaki Beach Motor Camp.
‘‘It is unfortunate that we’ve got this situation that rules are not abided by and respected, but the Northern Pegasus Bay Bylaw has come up a number of times and I think everyone should have the opportunity to be able to go down there.
‘‘There’s a camping ground right next door, so pay your fee. It’s more comfortable with ablutions and you can get up early and go down to the mouth if you want to.’’
Gordon said staff safety was paramount.
Council biodiversity team leader Dr Bex Dollery said the council was continuing to negotiate with Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga to ensure customary fishing rights were respected.
Under the Northern Pegasus Bay bylaw, freedom and overnight camping on the beach and sand dunes is not permitted.
The Waimakariri District Council had responsibility for monitoring the site alongside Environment Canterbury rangers, while the Department of Conservation was responsible for the enforcement of fishing gear and catch limits.
The three agencies regularly met with police and Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga to discuss the management of northern Pegasus Bay, including Kairaki Beach, Mr Kwant said.
The whitebait season ran from September 1 to October 30.
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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