For anyone thinking about sneaking up into the Muriwai bombing range, they are watching you.

NZDF to use Drones to Patrol Kaipara Weapons Range

Drone technology will be used by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to improve security at the Kaipara Air Weapons Range (KAWR). Public access to the range is banned at all times.
Despite this, persistent incursions from the public still occur and NZDF protection patrols will now use drones to take images to help identify unauthorised people and vehicles within the zone.

Specialist infra-red cameras are also deployed at strategic locations around the NZDF zone to capture vehicle movements.
The range is at the north-west end of South Head on Kaipara Harbour. It extends down the west coast as far as the “26 Mile” warning sign and includes part of the south coast of the Kaipara Harbour entrance.

It’s in an area of sand dunes, beach front, wetland and tussocks and is used for weapons testing and NZDF training activities.
The peak pressure on range security is in late spring and summer, especially on weekends and holidays, as more people access the beach.
These include people in four-wheel-drive vehicles, on motorcycles, and who go surfcasting along the coast.

While there is a reasonable level of public awareness among local residents and users, many beach users are from the wider Auckland region and are unaware that access to the range is banned all year – at all times. Breaches of access to the range are frequent by those unaware of the danger.
The range is clearly defined on the seven NZDF warning signs located at strategic points in the South Head area, and these signs also outline the ban on access at all times.

Banning notices are issued by NZDF patrols and the New Zealand Police can prosecute repeat offenders identified during sting operations on the range.

The range is managed from RNZAF Base Auckland in consultation with Ngati Whatua o Kaipara (via Ng? Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara Ngahere Ltd), Hancocks Forestry, the police, and the Department of Conservation.

From: http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/2017/20171018-nzdf-to-use-drones-to-patrol-kaipara-weapons-range.htm

Posting on behalf of Auckland Council Regional Parks Principal Ranger Stephen Bell.

The beach can’t take anymore…

Muriwai Beach, Te Oneone Rangatira, is a magnificent beach. In its day, Auckland Regional Council had the forethought to establish a regional park at Muriwai which, with over one million visitors in 2019/20, is busier than any other Auckland Regional Park. Like most who are part of the local community, your regional park team love Muriwai. It is an extraordinary place, with a very involved community, (some more than others), and a committed Surf Life Saving club who do a fantastic job, provide awesome training opportunities for club members who have saved a lot of lives over the years. Long may that continue.

I am sure there are different values you each cherish about the beach and community and it is those values that keeps you living here and connected. We, as park rangers, try our best to look after those values. For us they are the natural space, environment and it’s native inhabitants, the raw power and beauty of the wild west coast, the black sand (except on those really hot summer days) and looking after the place so you and others can enjoy it. The surf is not too bad either. You may each have a view on how well we do this, but if you talk with any one of the rangers you will hear their passion and commitment.

There are a couple of things we really need your help with to preserve those values. I am going to touch on two. Dogs in places they should not be or off lead and vehicles on the beach.

For the dog conversation, as much as we would all like to point the finger at people from outside the area we all know that would not be true, as most of the people walking dogs at the Maukatia / Gannet Colony, or off lead in the park proper / south of the tower, are locals. Please just follow the rules, they are pretty simple and clear. A lot of people have committed countless hours to protecting our Gannets, Blue Penguins and other species, mainly with pest control work. All it takes is one dog to disturb a nest or kill the adult bird and that has a big ripple in a small population. So, our request, particularly about walking dogs in the Maukatika area, is STOP. Please just don’t do it. For those who ignore the rules, it comes across as entitled and disrespectful of one of the very places we all value so highly.

Dogs are one thing, but the really big issue is vehicles on beaches. The numbers used to be manageable, drivers were respectful of other beach users (in the main) and they stuck to the beach. Our older population remember it that way anyway.

While many drivers remain responsible, an increasing number are not. They blatantly break the law, show no regard for other beach users, and create significant damage to the back dunes including some very significantly threatened environments and species. Do you know that the easiest way to find the largest remaining population of regionally threatened Coprosma Acerosa (Sand Coprosma – a coastal shrub) is to follow the vehicle tracks, as they go right through the shrub areas. We have a unique (and recently discovered) gecko (still to be named) that only lives in the Muriwai back dune and threatened skinks among our local wildlife. I have included an aerial photo to show the damage that is being done in areas where vehicles are meant to be prohibited. They make this unique, vehicle prohibited areas look like a road map. I won’t start on illegal camping or fires this time but will come back to that later.

Photo 1: Aerials of damage done by vehicles in an area vehicle are prohibited

We have had ongoing, regular problems with drivers crashing into others, vehicles being rolled, significant injuries even fatalities, the ignoring of private property rights in the forest, doing significant damage, abusing other beach users and rangers and bringing purpose built vehicles to the beach specifically to use in the back dunes. A recent quote from one such driver was, ‘I have spent a lot of money on these so I will drive them where I want’.

During the Covid-19 Level 4 lockdown we closed the beach, including Wilson Road, to all vehicle traffic. I know it got up a few people’s noses, but it was necessary. Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai breathed just for a moment, but at least it was allowed to rest.

As soon as Level 2 came about we reopened Coast Road. The huge increase in what can only be described as idiotic driver behaviour is extremely disappointing. It felt like people had saved it up and wanted to get it all out at the same time. Unfortunately, it has just kept going and appears to be getting worse

If we want to look after this magnificent place that we love, we need to take more care. Whether that is us, as a community, demanding people drive where they are meant to and holding them to account when they don’t, or by controlling vehicle access to the beach through a pass or gate system, or both, only time will tell. But one thing is certain, from what I have seen the beach has had enough, it can’t take anymore, and things need to change.

How can you help:

Don’t walk your dog’s where you shouldn’t, keep them on leads where that is required and pick up after them.

Don’t put up with reckless drivers on the beach. If you feel safe to do so, tell them to stop or report it to Police. Try 111 if it is dangerous and still happening or 105 or *555 if it is over. All are quick to dial.

Stephen Bell
Principal Ranger, Regional Parks West
Auckland Council
19 July 2020

This informrtion was first posted on the Auckland Council website: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2021/09/new-vehicle-management-measures-for-muriwai-beach/

New vehicle management measures for Muriwai Beach

Auckland Council’s Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee has approved the introduction of a range of measures to better manage and control motorised vehicles accessing Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai Beach.

These measures, which will be phased in over time, are designed to increase the safety of beachgoers and better protect the environment.

They are the result of public feedback following extensive consultation with the community, and include:

• Seasonal restrictions across the Christmas/New Year period from 31 December 2021 to 17 January 2022
• Targeted education
• Improved signage
• Enforcement
• Reducing the speed limit on the unsealed section of Coast Road from 50kph to 30kph
• Restricting the basin area south of Okiritoto Stream for parked vehicles only
• Continued community engagement through the community steering group
• Continued engagement with the Joint Agency Muriwai Management group
• Continually monitoring the vehicle numbers and driver behaviour.
• Investigating and implementing a paid permit system
• Investigating, and implementing if required, hard control measures to enable appropriate access to the beach.

Auckland Council Manager Regional Parks, Scott De Silva says that these measures will be implemented in stages.

“We’re looking at a phased introduction of measures over the next 12 months, starting with targeted education, improved signage and enforced speed limit reduction on Coast Road, which begin immediately.
“Some of these measures we’ve had in place previously, such as the monitoring of vehicle numbers and behaviour, and seasonal restrictions. These will continue to take place.

“Other measures will take more time to be introduced. We will be exploring the introduction of a paid permit system, but there’s a lot we need to consider before this can be established. We’ll also be reviewing the impact of the measures as they come into effect, which could lead to us installing additional control measures such as gates.”

Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair of the Auckland Council’s Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee, says these measures are necessary for the safety of the community, as well as limiting environmental damage.

“We need to make sure we have a balance between the high value people place on driving on the beach with concerns around the safety of beach users and protecting the dunes, plants and wildlife.
“Beachgoers are often put off if vehicles are driving near them, and so restricting the basin area south of Okiritoto Stream for parked vehicles only will allow safe access for beach users. This area is the most popular for pedestrian users such as families, as it is right next to Muriwai township. Those wanting to drive on the beach have two other access points and over 30km of alternative beach to explore.

Rodney Local Board Chair, Phelan Pirrie says it’s clear that a range of measures is needed to keep beachgoers safe, protect the dunes and wildlife and still keep the beach open to responsible vehicle users.

“We know that many people visit the beach and that they have different recreational needs. The beach and surrounding area get very busy and safety is paramount when people are driving on the beach.
“Everyone agrees that change is necessary and clearly there isn’t a single management tool that fits every situation. So, it’s been important to come up with a range of management measures that are effective in different situations.

“I hope that education combined with an improved management program will ensure the beach is safer, the environment is protected and everyone can continue to use the beach responsibly.”

“When we first introduced the free permit system it was encouraging to see many people sign up, wanting to do the right thing. That said, it is disappointing to see a continued group of users ignoring the permit rules and having a negative impact on the beach. These include some 4WD vehicles as well as trail bikes and dedicated off road vehicles.
“The seasonal restriction over last Christmas/New Year period was mostly well received and complied with. Our teams received some great feedback from park users, including horse riders and many locals, who enjoyed the beach being vehicle free.

“We’re really pleased that most people we encountered and explained the closure to, respected the rationale and decision behind the restrictions.

“However, the remaining concerns show that we need to help some drivers understand the importance of being aware of their surroundings, including all the other people and animals using the beach.”

Mr De Silva says this topic is clearly important to people, with the team receiving high levels of engagement through the consultation process.

“We engaged with the community, mana whenua, the local board and key interest groups who were all vocal on the issue. In addition, an online public consultation survey received 2,165 submissions.

“Of the three options presented in the survey, 37 per cent of respondents preferred seasonal restrictions, 32 per cent preferred controlled access and 21 per cent preferred full closure. Over the entire consultation process, 80 per cent of respondents did not support full closure.
“An interesting point to note is that although Muriwai residents are among those more likely to see concerning driver behaviour, they tend not to support permanent closure of the beach to vehicles, with 70 per cent saying they drive on the beach themselves.”

An update around how initial measures are performing will be presented to the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee after the summer period.