A vehicle has fun on a rainy day in the reserve at the end of Guppy Rd - Tutaekuri River. Vehicles will now be banned from accessing the river. Photo / File
A vehicle has fun on a rainy day in the reserve at the end of Guppy Rd - Tutaekuri River. Vehicles will now be banned from accessing the river. Photo / File
The Hawke's Bay Regional Council is shutting vehicles out of one of Napier's popular river access points at Guppy Rd.
The council said on Thursday there had been ongoing problems with rubbish dumping, vandalism, stock theft, and burnt-out cars at the Taradale entry to the Tūtaekurī River downstream of the expressway.
Council staff who managed this area had "reluctantly agreed" to close vehicle access from Monday, August 12.
Regional council team leader for river schemes Antony Rewcastle says he's disappointed the access has to be closed.
This gate access, downstream of the expressway, at Guppy Rd will be closed to vehicles from August 12. Photo / Supplied
"It's unfortunate to have to exclude vehicles, but it takes a lot of staff and police time and ratepayer money to clean up and monitor, so we've made the decision to limit access," Rewcastle said.
"We've made sure that all other users, including walkers, cyclists, fishers, motorcyclists, and swimmers, still have good access to enjoy the river from the end of Guppy Rd.
"It's a great spot for swimming, cycling, fishing, and dog walking, and it's a real shame that a small number of people have caused problems."
Within an hour of the decision being announced, a car was spotted by Hawke's Bay Today reporters doing burnouts at the access point.
Reaction to the decision was also swift on social media.
Stevie Ray Hawkins said "inconsiderate" people had blown it for everyone.
"There goes happy times to be had with fams & friends-summer time swims, picnics & get togethers, recreational river fishing, etc...
Katrina Derham said "the GJ Gardner team picked up a tonne of rubbish there about 22 months ago.
"A lot of it was abandoned or dumped vehicle parts. I can't understand people dumping in their own playground."
Travis Lowe suggested the decision wasn't the right one.
"That's one way to manage it. Lock it all up. Let no one in."
The regional council is currently consulting on a plan for public use of rivers to cater for various stakeholders which value these areas.
Since 1996 the regional council has enhanced many of Hawke's Bay's river areas by improving entrances, providing picnic facilities, and establishing areas and trails for activities such as trail biking and horse riding.
A burnt out car, one of several over the years found in the area. Photo / Supplied
The regional council manages access to more than 30 public access points to rivers across the Heretaunga and Ruataniwha Plains.
