During our recent catch-up with Dennis Amoore, the Chair of the Raglan Community Board (RCB), several local updates were discussed, including the ongoing issue of erosion at Papahua, preparations for sea level rise through proper planning, concerns regarding illegal dumping at Te Uku, and an ongoing review of freedom camping regulations.
Footbridge Erosion Local residents have expressed concern with the severe erosion occurring around Papahua Domain. Recent reports indicate that the area between the footbridge and boat ramp has deteriorated to the extent that the sea is perilously close to reaching the car park.
Listen to the interview below: Dennis mentions that various suggestions have been proposed to address the erosion issue, such as dune planting, retaining walls, and the construction of a groyne. However, implementing these measures would depend on factors like the approval of a resource consent. Additionally, there is a broader discussion taking place about the future of the camping ground and the consideration of investing funds now to extend its usability as sea levels continue to rise.
In the coming years, the council will face significant challenges and crucial decisions regarding mitigation and adaptation measures around climate change. These decisions will play a vital role in addressing the effects of environmental changes and ensuring the community’s resilience and sustainability.
Rural Whāingaroa and Illegal Dumping The RCB held its inaugural rural meeting at the Te Uku Community Hall last month, with a decent turnout of local residents. As part of their efforts, the board plans to organise two rural meetings annually, one in Te Uku and another in Te Mata, in order to engage with and address the concerns of the rural community.
At the meeting, locals expressed their concerns about illegal dumping at the Te Uku recycling depot and Dennis highlighted the challenge of illegal dumping in an unmonitored open area. He mentions that people tend to dump their rubbish there when they have the opportunity, especially during evenings or early mornings.
Dennis also raises concerns about businesses, including those that pass by, potentially contributing to the dumping due to the cost-free nature of the depot. Having discussed the issue with the CEO from Xtreme Zero Waste he expressed the need to explore alternative options, such as implementing a fortnightly collection for a designated kerbside collection in Te Uku, to better manage the situation.
WEL Electric Car Changing Station The search for a suitable location for a new electric car charging station is ongoing, taking into consideration factors such as centrality, accessibility, and the availability of appropriate infrastructure. The aim is to identify a site that meets these criteria to ensure convenient and efficient access to electric vehicle charging facilities. Currently spots on Stewart St and Wallis St are being considered with the RCB’s preference being Stewart St due to availability of parking.
Freedom Camping Review The pre-engagement phase for the Freedom Camping Bylaw Review has concluded, with the deadline passing last week. The community board also submitted their feedback on this review.
There have been recent changes in the freedom camping bylaw at the national legislation level. These changes state that all vehicles must be certified as self-contained within two years, meaning they must have fixed toilets. A discussion with the council took place this week, where the community board advocated for creating more designated freedom camping areas, particularly in locations where toilet facilities are already available.
It was also suggested that a timeframe be implemented, requiring freedom campers to vacate certain areas by 7am in public places like Cliff St or Joyce Petchell Memorial Park. Additionally, they have proposed that the small car park area near the tennis courts could also be considered as a freedom camping area specifically for self-contained vehicles.
Due to the nature of the legislation, a universal ban on freedom camping within a town is not possible. Instead, specific streets can be designated as restricted areas for freedom camping. Dennis also suggests the possibility of opening up Wainui Reserve for freedom camping, but current regulations prohibit this because it is classed as a reserve.
He says there would need to be a change in the bylaw or legislation to allow freedom camping at Wainui Reserve. Wainui Reserve is considered an ideal spot as it is located outside the town, minimising public concerns, and provides all necessary facilities. If campers are required to move by 8am, it would not cause any disruptions since there is lots of parking available.
Wharf Opening Next Friday With most of the eastern side of the wharf completed, there will be an official opening held next Friday 16th at 7am to commemorate the completion of works on that side of the wharf.
There is ongoing work that needs to be addressed on the western side of the walkway before the planned work can commence. Design considerations also need to be finalised. The intention is to begin the work in July and complete it before Christmas. The primary goal is to extend the wharf walkway on the western side, all the way down to Tony Sly Pottery. This extension will provide a safer alternative to walking on the road alongside cars.
Civil Defence Planning The RCB have made progress on the draft document prepared by Scott Bolt, a Civil Defence liaison from WDC. Once examined, the team will arrange a meeting with the relevant stakeholders in town to move the project forward. Dennis said it’s encouraging to see people expressing their interest in getting involved, and they encourage anyone else who wants to participate to reach out to Lisa Thomson or a member of the community board.
While it’s been observed that the west coast has been fortunate to avoid major cyclones in the past few decades, we must remain prepared for other potential disasters or incidents. Even temporary road closures, such as SH23, can cause disruptions and Dennis says it’s important to have a plan in place to respond effectively.
Long Term Plan and Spending The council is deciding where to allocate funds for the next three years, and as a community, we need to determine how we want that money to be spent. The council has initially identified some general community outcome statements regarding social, cultural, economic, and environmental aspects. However, it is essential for us to specify our preferences and priorities.
In the past, there have been suggestions from the community to invest in a youth hub as well as considerations for other infrastructure needs, such as relocating soccer fields. Suggestions from the community have also highlighted the possibility of creating a major sports hub that caters to multiple sports, including soccer, rugby, netball, league, and even squash courts.
Dennis says that it’s important they gather feedback and ideas from various stakeholders, and engage in collaborative discussions with the council to advocate for the desired outcomes in the community.
The issue of cars speeding past the BP station has been brought to the attention of local police. However, there is limited patrolling available in the 40 km zones.
Raglan Rugby Sports Club lights have been fixed. Manu Bay Breakwater Meeting to be confirmed. Council needs to do more research around Boat Ramp Fees The next Raglan Community Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 1.30pm in the Town Hall Supper Room. https://raglanradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Papahua-erosion.png