Horse riding on tighter rein at Tuapiro Point

Horse riders can use Tuapiro Point but there are changes to where horses can be ridden. Photo/File

Horse riders can continue to use Tuapiro Point but there are changes to where horses can and cannot go to protect areas of cultural significance and ecological sensitivity.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has agreed to changes that provide greater clarity on where horses can be riden in the area.

Horse riders can continue to use most of the area but will no longer be permitted beyond the small island on the estuary side of Tuapiro Point.

Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber said the goodwill of the horse riding community and Ngāti Te Wai had enabled both parties to work out a good compromise.

"We will now do our bit to ensure that the right regulations and signage are in place so that there is no confusion about the use of Tuapiro Point," he said.

Webber said it was the horse riders' responsibility to abide by the rules, but the council will help to educate the community about the importance of respecting the cultural and ecological values of the area.

The council will erect new signage that clearly explains where horses are permitted and the responsibilities of horse riders to clean up all horse waste.

A code of conduct will be developed for all horse riding areas in the Western Bay district to set out the expectations of use.

The proposed change at Tuapiro Point for horse riding went to public consultation from May to July. Open days were held at Katikati, Paengaroa and Waihī Beach, all of which were well attended.

Both Ngāti Te Wai and the horse riding community wanted to find a compromise that would acknowledge the cultural and environmental issues while retaining what is a popular horse riding area.

A total of 597 submissions from individuals, riding clubs, iwi groups and others were received, of which the majority opposed no longer allowing horse riding at Tuapiro Point.

In addition to the submissions, a petition carrying more than 1500 signatures was delivered on horseback to the council's headquarters at Barkes Corner on August 3.

Hearings were held on August 6 and 80 people spoke to their submissions.

The revised Reserves and Facilities Bylaw has been recommended by the council's Policy Committee but has yet to be formally adopted by the council on November 1. The new bylaw provisions will come into effect on November 9.

The council has also decided to conduct a broader review of the provision of horse riding areas across the district. This review is intended to take place in 2019/2020.