Cycle trail vetoed to protect 'wave patterns' at popular Kaikōura surf spot

Tuesday, 27 November 2018

A proposed cycleway and seawall at a scenic bay north of Kaikōura has been vetoed, in part due to the risk of spoiling wave patterns shown in coastal models.

The NZ Transport Agency received preliminary results from the coastal modelling of the proposed 'shared use path' at Mangamaunu Bay, north of Kaikōura, on Monday.

The cycleway and a seawall was proposed for the area of State Highway 1 along the Kaikōura coast, south of Clarence, significantly damaged by the earthquake in November 2016.

Transport Agency regional director Jim Harland said the modelling was not yet complete, but showed there 'may be a minor effect on the wave pattern' at Mangamaunu.

**READ MORE:

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'As a result of this modelling, and given this surf break is considered of national significance, the Transport Agency will not progress the shared use path.'

Building on the bay would create rips and erosion holes, creating a safety risk for surfers during high tide, Mangamaunu Preservation Society chairwoman Annie Bermingham earlier said.

The Surfbreak Protection Society challenged fast-tracked application consents granted under emergency powers in the Order in Council by Environment Canterbury and the Kaikōura District Council for the shared use path at Mangamaunu Point, requesting instead that any structures or shared use paths in the area go through normal Resource Management Act processes.

In an open letter to the Government, society member Michael Gunson called for work to be halted while a solution to protect the area was discussed and communicated with the community.

'Mangamaunu and surfing in general is a significant contributor to the regions tourism industry, this surf break attracts tourists nationally and internationally,' the letter said. 

More than $21,000 was donated by 217 supporters to the society's Givealittle page.

High quality surf breaks are rarer than most of of the country's endangered flora and fauna, but until 2010, they had no protection. Mangamaunu and 16 other breaks received legal protection eight years ago through the NZ Coastal Policy Statement.

Some safety and resilience work, including closing off the informal and unsafe parking area on Mangamaunu Point, improving the Kiwa Rd intersection and rail crossing and developing a safe stopping and parking area at the bay's north end, would go ahead, Harland said.

'The Transport Agency is committed to working with the community and with iwi to ensure the outcome of the November 2016 earthquake can be a positive legacy for the wider community.'