Top surf break sinks Kaikoura cycleway

CHRISTCHURCH: A section of a proposed cycleway along the Kaikoura coast has been canned because of its potential effects on a worldfamous surf break.

The NZ Transport Agency plans to build a shareduse path along the coastline, with the original plan including running by the surf break at Mangamaunu Bay, north of Kaikoura.

The righthand, boulderladen point break draws surfers from all around the world, and is one of 17 protected surf spots in New Zealand.

The work was part of a broader package in the area of State Highway 1 along the Kaikoura coast, south of Clarence, significantly damaged by the November 2016 earthquake.

NZTA director regional relationships Jim Harland said while their modelling was not complete, it showed there could be a ‘‘minor effect on the wave pattern at Mangamaunu in terms of waves reflecting off coastal structures’’.

‘‘As a result of this modelling, and given this surf break is considered of national significance, the Transport Agency will not progress the shareduse path at Mangamaunu Point under the current consents.’’

The proposed cycleway had drawn opposition from surfers up and down the country, who were worried the shareduse path would adversely affect the protected surf break.

In an open letter to the Government, Surfbreak Protection Society research and communications officer Michael Gunson called for the work to be halted.

‘‘Mangamaunu and surfing in general is a significant contributor to the region’s tourism industry, this surf break attracts tourists nationally and internationally.’’

The Surfbreak Protection Society challenged the consents for the shareduse path, which were granted under emergency powers following the 2016 earthquake, in the Order in Council by Environment Canterbury, and the Kaikoura District Council.

Mr Gunson said if the consents had gone through normal Resource Management Act processes they would be unable to adversely impact the surf break.

‘‘We believe that under the appropriate RMA process, a cycleway could be developed in a way that benefits from community knowledge and does not destroy the unique nature of the surf break and environment.’’

A Givealittle page to fund a legal challenge raised nearly $22,000 from 217 donors.

Surfbreak Protection Society Mangamaunu project lead Annie Bermingham said following the NZTA’s decision, the committee voted to withdraw its judicial review.

‘‘It is a good outcome,’’ he said. — NZME