Slow down: Coastal cycle trail 'less important' than protected surf break

Abstract

OPINION: ​The proposed cycleway between Blenheim and Kaikōura requires careful consideration, due to the likelihood that parts of it will have an adverse effect on the scenic beauty of Mangamaunu Bay.

High quality surf breaks are rarer than most of our endangered flora and fauna, but until 2010, they had no protection. Few people realise that the surf break at Raglan has changed dramatically since it became world famous in the 1960's cult surfing movie, Endless Summer.

The damage our breaks have sustained over the years led the usually laid-back surfing community to become national activists.

Their strong advocacy, backed by scientific evidence, led to Mangamaunu and 16 other breaks receiving legal protection in 2010 through the NZ Coastal Policy Statement.

Any activity that might pose a threat to such breaks would normally be carefully scrutinised through Resource Management Act (RMA) hearings.

However, after the 2016 earthquakes, the Government passed special legislation allowing for the restoration of Kaikōura's road and rail routes while avoiding the normal RMA consent processes.