KĀWHIA BEACH ACCESS VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS

Background

It has been brought to Ōtorohanga District Council's attention that barriers have been installed at Karewa Beach (Kāwhia) restricting vehicle access along Kāwhia Beach. Vehicle access on the beach has been an ongoing issue in this area. Council is working with a range of stakeholders to help facilitate an outcome.  Early in 2026 a hui was held with key stakeholders to discuss this issue.  From that meeting, Council was recently advised that landowners who have titles extending into the foreshore intend to stop vehicle access (but not public foot access) across their titles. 

Legal Status

1.      There is a right of public (foot) access under the Marine and Coastal Areas Act along the coastal foreshore.

2.      A beach, below high tide, is a legal road unless controlled by a district bylaw.

3.      Ōtorohanga District Council's traffic management bylaw limits vehicle access to below high tide, to 20kph.

4.      Private landowners whose title extends into the foreshore can lawfully stop vehicle access above high tide.

5.      Private landowners whose title extends into the foreshore cannot lawfully  stop vehicle access below high tide, as this is permitted under the Land Transport Act and Traffic Management Bylaw

Council's Position

1.      Any vehicle barriers below high tide would be in breach of Ōtorohanga District Council's Traffic Management Bylaw.

2.      Council will work with those landowners to seek to remove vehicle barriers below high tide.

For further information, go to: KĀWHIA BEACH ACCESS - WHAT IS GOING ON? | Ōtorohanga District Council