Set netting ban widening

A set netting ban at a popular Auckland holiday hot spot could have wider implications for supercity set netters.

Set netting will be banned on Omaha beach next summer from Labour weekend to Easter and could be the start of discussions for wider Auckland bans.

The decision, passed at a meeting of the Regulatory and Bylaws Committee on 19 July, has been hailed as a victory for common sense by residents at the popular beach.

‘‘It’s extremely welcome news,’’ Omaha Beach Community chairman Peter Hooper says

Long time set net ban advocate and head of security at Omaha beach Chris Martin says he is delighted at the news. It has been a headache for beach users for years, he says.

‘‘Though a seasonal ban it will be in force during periods when the beach is at its peak capacity with swimmers and other beach users.’’

Special praise must go to Councillors Penny Webster and John Watson for their strong support, he says.

In place for a year residents are hopeful that will make it easier for it keep rolling it over in the future.

While the ban doesn’t include crab fishing which has also been causing angst for beach goers there are plans for closer monitoring of the crab fishers over the summer with multiple warrant officers in the area, Regulatory and Bylaws Committee chairman Callum Penrose says,

The ban doesn’t apply to customary fishing rights and discussions are now under way with iwi to see if wider Auckland bans on popular beaches may be possible in the future, he says.