Residents of Waiotahe, a small Bay of Plenty town just outside Ōpōtiki, are worried about the influx of holiday campers this summer because so many are taking kaimoana from Te Ahiaua Reserve, also known as the Pipi Beds at Waiotahe.
They are concerned both about visitors attending the Rhythm and Vines Festival as well as the campers.
Ūpokorehe kaitiaki Sonia Nikora Kohiti and Jackie Biddle have started a petition, which already has 1240 signatures and feedback, to stop campers from taking all the kaimoana (seafood) out of the pipi beds. The reserve is a no-camp site but freedom campers are allowed as long as they have a certified self-contained vehicle to stay overnight on land managed by local councils.
“We aim to protect our resources,” Bibble says.
A hui was held with Ūpokorehe kaumatua and whānau to discuss matters before taking their petition to the Ōpōtiki District Council.