Whitireia access problems
Councillor nonplussed over why gate left open
Rubbish is being dumped, bollards are being removed, and ecosystems are being damaged because a gate at Whitireia Park can’t be locked, Porirua City councillors have heard.
Wellington regional councillor Barbara Donaldson made a plea to council last week to lock a gate that was put in to control access to the Onepoto arm of the park.
‘‘ We’re getting no decision,’’ she said. ‘‘We don’t seem to be able to move this matter forward and we’re not sure what the hold up is.’’
The regional council requested the gate be installed in 2012, to stop four-wheel-drive vehicles causing damage to wetlands and sand dunes.
Although the council had come to the party with the gate, it was doing little to stop people using the road because it was not able to be locked, Donaldson said.
Ranger Wayne Boness said drivers were getting into the estu- ary area and had been driving around the foreshore, an important part of the Porirua Harbour restoration project.
Come summer, people camping would bring ‘‘rubbish and toilet issues’’ and a risk of fire, he said.
Boness said drivers needed to be prevented from getting in there.
Porirua City councillor Ken Douglas said the 2010 arson, when 75 hectares of bush in the park burned, showed the importance of having quick access.
Chief executive Gary Simpson said officers would report back to council.