MIL-OSI New Zealand: Muriwai Beach closed to vehicles this holiday season foreignaffairs.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from foreignaffairs.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Abigail Dougherty/Stuff
There are increasing concerns about the behaviour of people who drive vehicles on Muriwai Beach in northwest Auckland.
Volunteer lifeguards at a popular Auckland beach where cars will be banned over summer say the decision could put people in danger. On Wednesday, Auckland Council announced its decision to close vehicle access to Muriwai Beach from December 23 until January 10, 2021. The closure was because of safety concerns and fire risks as visitor numbers are expected to skyrocket. There can be “dire consequences” when cars mix with people at a popular recreation spot, it said.
Abigail Dougherty/Stuff
Vehicle access to Muriwai Beach will be closed from December 23 until January 10, 2021.
Tasman Rd will remain closed as it did under normal seasonal restrictions. Rodney Local Board chairman Phelan Pirrie said it was the first time the council and other agencies had chosen to close access to vehicles over the busiest weeks of summer. Other agencies involved in the decision include Fire and Emergency, police, the Department of Conservation, Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara Ngahere and the surf life saving club. Pirrie said the whole of Muriwai was “incredibly popular” over summer and this year was likely to be no different.
Abigail Dougherty/Stuff
The vehicle access point at Muriwai Beach needs to be managed better, locals say.