Dispute over dune paths
A series of man-made paths giving easier access to a Kapiti beach have some residents and council concerned over their environmental and aesthetic impact.
The paths have been constructed on the dunes at Peka Peka Beach in the past few months.
They are used to scale the dune by nearby property owners, and have been constructed from driftwood, tyres, timber and metal.
Resident Michael Eisenhofer constructed his tyre path for his 80-year-old mother, who lives with him, so she could access the beach.
However, Kapiti Coast District Council regulatory acting group manager Natasha Tod said introduced materials could reduce amenity values, harmed protective works, exacerbated erosion and created a safety hazard for those using the beach.
Eisenhofer said he was one of the first residents to make his path, and soon after, others started appearing either side.
‘‘It seems other people have had the same idea.’’
He said the path might actually limit erosion.
‘‘Without that, you’d have to scramble up the bank, and then you’d be scrabbling more sand along.’’
Eisenhofer said his path was accessible to residents from four houses.
He hoped sand covered the tyres eventually, so the path could be used without the tyres being visible.
Peka Peka Guardians cochairperson Sarah Meads said ‘‘a handful’’ of private paths had emerged since a series of storms in July cut into the dunes.
She said they had potential to exacerbate erosion, and cause blowouts on either side.
‘‘Over time the materials can also work loose, posing a danger to beachgoers and swimmers.
‘‘The dune system is a natural asset that has been formed over decades.
‘‘We need to respect their natural cycle to preserve their integrity - helping to keep the dunes preserved for all our community and into the future.’’
The unseasonably stormy weather meant the dune face had not had time to build back up naturally like it normally would, she said.
She said scientists believed dunes were likely to be cut into more frequently in future, due to climate change.
July’s storms cut into the dunes more than six feet in places,
‘‘The dune system is a natural asset that has been formed over decades.’’
Meads said.
Council regulatory acting group manager Natasha Tod said council was aware of several paths from private properties to the beach along the coast.
Under the Local Government Act, council is able to remove works or structures constructed in breach of the Public Places Bylaw.
However, Tod said council had no blanket approach for dealing with the paths.
‘‘We would consider each structure on a case-by-case basis, and would look to find the person who built the structure to have a conversation with them about possible solutions before taking any action.
‘‘We discourage people from making private paths through the dunes to protect the delicate ecology of those coastal areas, but also to prevent rubbish building up on the beach.’’