Seats removed in restoration project

TCC parks and recreation manager Mark Smith says the removal is part of a programme of removing beach encroachments to protect the dunes along the coastal strip.

A number of seats recently removed from the Papamoa beachside is the talk of many local residents.

The removal was spotted late last month by a resident who chose not to be named.

He says two trucks with about four people removed seats from all along the coastline.

'These seats have been there for more than 20 years and are used by many nearby residents every day, particularly the elderly.

'As someone who is elderly themselves, I can say on behalf of myself and others, this is completely scandalous. Now when we want to go to the beach, there will be nowhere for us to sit.”

TCC parks and recreation manager Mark Smith says the removal is part of a programme of removing beach encroachments to protect the dunes along the coastal strip.

'Over a number of years we have been working hard to restore the dunes at all of Tauranga's beaches back to their natural state, which includes removing structures and encroachments.

'We've removed a number of seats and benches along the coast, because they become a destination and the plants are repeatedly trampled around them,” says Mark.

'We understand that it's nice to sit by the water, but trampling kills dune plants, and the dunes won't rebuild after big storms if the native plants aren't there.

'The dunes are our best defence against storms, tsunamis and rising sea levels. Even informal trails along the dunes – where there's no structure or fencing to guide visitors, but people walk on them regularly – can cause a lot of damage.

'Where possible, we've worked with the owners of these seats. If a seat is removed, the contractor holds onto it for a number of months to give the owner an opportunity to come and collect it. They can then place it on private property.

'The community can also ask for new seating to be placed in a nearby reserve where the surface is mown turf. People can also take a little collapsible seat to have a rest at any stage on their walk.”

You may also like....

8 comments

Pathetic

Posted on 12-12-2017 11:41 | By Taniwha0

Removing seats,it's a joke ,close the tracks to the beach next.


chookymac

Posted on 12-12-2017 12:32 | By Chookymac

Being a resident of Tauranga coming as a Kid in 1953 I wonder where some of these so called TCC Managers are coming from and what they are playing with when making some of these decisions.I shake my head


beachfront seats

Posted on 12-12-2017 12:49 | By OAP

What a lack of consideration for the residents of this area .I wonder which Greeny Councillor came up with this stupid idea


TCC incompetence

Posted on 12-12-2017 13:56 | By Captain Sensible

TCC are unbelievable. This is so stupid, I have to check the calendar to see if it is 01 April. It seems TCC only employ people with no sense and/or no common sense. Smith's explanation lacks both.


put the seats in the museum

Posted on 12-12-2017 15:22 | By Captain Sensible

Maybe TCC could make an exhibit of these seats in the new unwanted museum to remind people of an era that existed not that long ago where common sense was good and brainless PC stupidity was not. Whereas now, we have the opposite.


Well

Posted on 12-12-2017 19:12 | By Capt_Kaveman

You voted them in


Old

Posted on 13-12-2017 15:17 | By Told you

How on earth does removing of these seats stop coastal erosion?What about older citizens that require to sit down.A totally miserable move by the Council you should be ashamed.


Where is the Consultation WITH and FOR the people?

Posted on 19-12-2017 23:27 | By Bill Gibson-Patmore

This does not seem to be management BY the people FOR the people! - the principles upon which all collective governance should operate as an ideal. ...Again, we have non-elected officials dictating what amenities a community needs - or in this instance does not need. ... Yes, dunes are important, but so are people! ... Denying one over another would not be the only solution to the perceived problem... By The Way, there is scarcely any area along Papamoa Beach where Council could install public seating on mown grass (as they have suggested) and still afford the citizens of the city a view of the ocean! ... I appeal to Councillors and Council staff to review this action, although I shall not hold my breath! ... Perhaps a public uprising is needed, before democracy is stifled to the point of extinction? ... Bill Gibson-Patmore


Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.