Birds New Zealand Auckland regional representative Ian McLean said: “It appears that the main beach is only for the common plebs.” He said signs advising to people to keep away from the birds were ignored, with many taking their barbecues, shelters and deck chairs into the area to swim, sunbathe, play sports and enjoy a picnic. It was also disappointing seeing adults take their children to play inside the sanctuary, he said, adding they were setting a bad example. “Ignorance and unawareness cannot be used as an excuse for you to have to carry your possessions well away from the nearest car park, through the dunes and then the gate of a predator-proof fence into what is clearly marked as a bird sanctuary.”