Nelson Yacht Club in foreshore clash

A yacht club is being taken to court by a man who claims it is depriving the public of their foreshore rights.

Kerry Bateman has applied to the Nelson District Court for an order requiring the Nelson Yacht Club to take down "private property" signs at its slipway.

Commodore Steve Newport said the club would defend its right to have the signs.

"He doesn't know what he's on about. We'll see him in court."

The club's lawyer had said it had every right to have the signs.

Mr Bateman said the club should not stop people getting to the foreshore from the slipway land.

When the land was reclaimed in the 1960s, the club was given a lease with a strict requirement that the public should maintain right of access to the water.

Mr Bateman, a retired civil engineer and surveyor, often swims from the slipway.

The club leases the land from the Nelson City Council.

- NZPA