The rugged beauty of Papanui Point has once again turned deadly with a recent drowning in August prompting urgent questions from the Raglan Community Board about how to keep visitors safe. Locals say warning signs vanish, rescue crews are stretched and new migrants and tourists are particularly at risk when unfamiliar with New Zealand’s wild surf.
Community Board Chairperson Dennis Amoore told Raglan Community Radio that options under discussion included adding more signage, particularly signs indicating where cellphone coverage is available, and even restricting access. “But at the end of the day,” he cautioned, “Closing it off may not stop people. They’ll just climb the fence and go fishing anyway.”
Councillor Lisa Thomson raised the issue at the last board meeting, reflecting growing community frustration as Papanui Point continues to claim lives and attract national headlines. Surf Life Saving and Coastguard often spend 20 to 30 minutes reaching the remote site, putting further strain on volunteers. “It does put other people at risk,” Dennis noted. “You’ve got rescuers out there searching in dangerous conditions too.”
Many of the recent victims have been immigrants or visitors lacking surf experience. “Once you fall into the water there, if there’s a swell running, it’s very difficult to get out,” Dennis said. Previous attempts to provide lifebuoys and warning boards have been undermined by theft or vandalism.
Wainui Reserve: From Overflow Parking to 30-Year Vision
Wainui Reserve, one of Raglan’s most contested public spaces, remains a focus for both short-term fixes and long-term planning. This summer, portable CCTV cameras will be trialled at the roundabout entrance, allowing gates to stay open rather than paying staff to open and close them daily. Temporary fencing will again be used to manage overflow parking over the busy summer period.
Longer term, a 30-year development plan is underway. Consultants are surveying current stakeholders and preparing to consult the wider public. Ideas range from replanting the pine forests in natives to developing environmental gardens, cycle and horse trails and even relocating sports facilities.
The pine trees, originally planted as a revenue source, now provide popular trails meaning their removal could prove controversial.
Sports Study: Demand Outpaces Facilities
The community’s hunger for sports facilities was confirmed in a recent recreation study. Rugby and football remain the dominant codes but numbers in football have exploded from 100 to 300 young players in the last decade or so, overwhelming Papahua Reserve.
The top unmet need, however, is an indoor sports facility. The “Max Group,” a collective of local residents, is campaigning for a multipurpose hub that could host basketball, futsal and other activities alongside outdoor fields.
Dennis said Raglan isn’t large enough for multiple new venues. “We’ve got to consolidate into one good multi-purpose facility,” he said.
With council pausing land purchases until the Wainui plan is complete, the group may have to wait to learn where the building and sports fields can go. Regardless, the project will still likely depend on philanthropic backers.
Tourism Growth vs. Infrastructure Strain
Tourism operators recently gathered to explore ways to grow Raglan’s visitor economy. But Dennis, who also serves with Surf Life Saving, stressed the strain on local infrastructure and volunteers. “It’s not just about Airbnbs and cafés making money,” he warned. “We’ve got to look at the social impact too.”
He urged spreading events throughout the year instead of concentrating them in summer, pointing to the winter mountain cycle event as a successful example.
Street Lighting
Closer to home, safety issues continue to frustrate residents. Street lighting, once riddled with outages, has improved but around 7 lights remain faulty. Local campaigner John Lawson has played a key role in identifying problems though some repaired lights have already gone out again.
Wharf, Boat Ramps and Harbour Hazards
At the Wharf, resurfacing is due to address potholes and puddling near local shops, not covered in the original wharf upgrade.
Meanwhile, council staff are preparing a full review of Raglan’s 13 boat ramps. Dennis listed several, from the Coastguard shed and the Wharf to Te Akau and Lorenzen Bay and Manu Bay the surface of which is in need of repair. Dennis also pointed out that a full risk review of Manu bay ramp is planned to start soon, an action that came out of previous discussions.
“There is an art to using it,” he said of taking a boat through the waves in rough conditions. “If you’re not experienced, you can get into trouble,” adding that, “If it’s not safe don’t go out.”
He pointed to a recent bar capsize when Surf Life Saving and Coastguard rescued four people including one trapped in the upturned vessel.
Parks, Drainage and Papahua Lighting
Other smaller projects are progressing. Oram Park is often waterlogged near the housing boundary; a new swale drain will divert surface water more quickly.
At Papahua, 80 percent of the lights on the pedestrian bridge are out alongside those around the changing sheds. Dennis said staff are fixing electrical connections and hope to have the lights restored within two months, just in time for summer’s busy season.
Town Hall Targeted Rate: “A Bit of a Mess”
The Raglan Town Hall Committee is pushing back against council over the $25 targeted rate. Originally meant for hall upkeep, it is now partly diverted to depreciation and even the Old School Arts Centre.
The committee has asked to increase the rate to $28 to keep up with costs and the Community Board supports the move. But Dennis admitted it is unclear whether the increase can be implemented before the next fees and charges review in three years.
He described the situation as “a bit of a mess,” with inconsistencies across the district’s halls and confusion about who should manage reserve funds for major capital works. The Town Hall Committee are also frustrated when tradespeople are sent from Hamilton rather than using cheaper local contractors who don’t need to charge for transport.
Final Word: Voter Turnout Matters
As his term as chair winds down, Dennis urged residents to take part in the upcoming local elections. Turnout has historically hovered around 30 percent.
“Regardless of who you’re voting for, please vote and have your say,” he said.