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Work on a concrete path being laid at Maraetai Beach continued yesterday, after a protest and opposition from locals failed to stop its construction.
The 200m path will run from Maraetai Reserve, cutting through the grass and beach foreshore up to neighbouring Beachlands Beach.
Following a protest by residents at the beach last Wednesday, work on the path was put on hold while a meeting with the Manukau Parks group was set to further discuss the issue.
Yesterday construction resumed, as workers put down a concrete underlay.
It is an upsetting outcome for many residents, says local Sue Lees. "We got a call this morning saying they'd be going ahead with it.
"That's what made us even more upset because we thought we'd had some light," she said.
Residents opposed to the Maraetai Beach walkway have set up a website, SaveMaraetai.co.nz, to rouse more support.
Another protest will be held this Saturday, in a bid to get the Manukau City Council to improve its consultation processes with the community, said Maraetai resident Garth Dawson.
"The community board and council decided to proceed with the concrete path along Maraetai Reserve against strong local opposition.
"What happened to working for the community?"
Mr Dawson said laying the path was unfair, as it was as if the council had given priority to walkers.
"They're saying that walkers are priority over other users of the beach. What about the families going for picnics?"
Mr Dawson said adding the path would have no benefits but could introduce dangers and take away from the beach's natural beauty.
"Now that you've got something hard, it's going to be different.
"In the past you didn't have to think about the concrete. It's now creating an environment where bicycles and scooters will be zipping across and young kids will have to watch out for bikes."
Mr Dawson said: "We live in a city with a lot of concrete. We don't need any more."
