Time to play the ‘research paper’ game
Winter, and the inevitable question – where can we go four-wheeling? Sandy areas near the coasts seem an obvious answer with minimised mud issues and if it’s actually a beach area there are usually less people during winter months. The challenge is finding such sandy landscapes that have not yet been sold off as housing developments. The few areas left by developers are invariably then described as unique examples of coastal dune systems that are passionately defended by those who live nearby in their houses built on sand! The current government with their Green content is unlikely to show much interest in expanding the range of 4x4 recreation options, so we are possibly going to need to look to local authorities to help with securing land suitable for our recreation. There have been a couple of attempts by Auckland region local authorities to look at the managing of off- road motorised recreation. A report has compiled in 1988 that even then recognised a significant deficit in the region’s provision for vehicle recreation. Ten years later in January 2009 another review was published under the title of Off Road Motorised Recreation in the Auckland Region Impacts Paper. That document looked at both 4x4 and motorcycles, but of course at that time there were no ‘side by side’ ( UTV) and less ‘ quad bikes’. Looking back at that document it stated: “The objectives of the ORMR Project are to: Outline the current and proposed provision of off road motorised recreation ( ORMR) in the Auckland region, and determine how secure that provision will be in the future. Identify the environmental, social and economic impacts and constraints. Determine the current and future demand for ORMR opportunities in the Auckland region for both formal sport and recreation. Identify future options for motorised recreation in the region. Consider who could have a role in managing future demand for motorised recreation.“ The review went on to consider the future trends and it looks like they got them fairly accurate… “The increasing cost associated with the sport, e.g. fuel, is expected to impact on the sport. The likely impact is that users will be less likely to travel distances to participate in the sport and hence there will be increased pressure on sites in the region. Population growth in the region, in particular the fringes of the city, is likely to see further urbanisation or ‘suburbanisation’ of rural sites. Increased urbanisation puts pressure on existing sites and can reduce opportunities for off road recreation. “If options to meet this demand are not considered, future growth is likely to result in a combination of increasing membership of off-road recreation clubs to gain access to sites that only allow organised groups and the increased casual/ ’ illegal’ access and use of sites unless viable alternatives are available.“ They clearly identified back then the dearth of opportunities… “The majority of off-road motorised recreation users regularly travel to access off-road sites both within and outside the Auckland Region. Many of the sites currently used are both illegal and inappropriate. Users often leave the Auckland region to travel to other parts of the country ( and even overseas) to participate in events and to access other sites. The majority of these alternative sites are to the south of the Auckland region. The background research for this Project identified that the existing sites are not fully meeting current demand.” So, it’s pretty clear that a lack of opportunity for our recreation was recognised, but nothing done about it. Of course, that review was done before the ‘super city’ was created and the regional council disbanded. I’m sure that if Auckland and other cities did the same exercise today, the answer would be the same… existing sites are not fully meeting current demand and many are illegal! While the review noted the lack of facilities, it also went on to expand at some length on perceived environmental impacts, noting “a growing concern amongst iwi, environmental groups, biologists and governments concerning the impacts of off road vehicular usage on natural areas. Research highlights that off road vehicles have both direct and indirect effects on natural features and areas; the severity of these impacts will depend on the type and frequency of the off-road usage and the nature of the particular area in question.” It looks like it may be time to start asking questions again about getting help from local authorities to address the increased casual/ ’ illegal’ access that can cause concern for the community and those of us among the ‘organised’ recreation clubs. Maybe even commission a ‘ discussion’ document to put our case forward to local bodies to show that we are serious?