Rules put in place on November 9, horse riders at Tuapiro Point must abide by the new bylaw.

Signs are up informing horse riders where they can ride and include the code of conduct for horse riders to follow.

In a statement on the Western Bay of Plenty Council website, it says that the council thanks everyone from the Ngati Te Wai Hapu and the equestrian community for helping find a great compromise that enables horse riding to continue while protecting the ecologically and culturally significant areas.

'We will work with the hapu to develop more signage around the point to share the history and significance of this treasured place.

'Please check the signage and maps carefully before you set out on your ride. If you see anyone riding in the incorrect place or leaving horse waste behind, please update them with the new rules.”

Horse riders will be able to continue to use the majority of the area previously allowed but will no longer be permitted beyond the small island located on the estuary side of Tuapiro Point.

'We, Council, will now do our bit to ensure that the right regulations and signage are in place so that there is no confusion about the use of Tuapiro Point,” says Mayor Garry Webber.

'It's in the horse riding community's hands to abide by the rules and respect the cultural and ecological values of this special place. Council can also help educate the community about these values and why it is important to protect them.''

Council will erect new signage that clearly explains where horses are permitted and the responsibilities of horse riders to clean up all horse waste.

A code of conduct will be developed for all horse riding areas in the District, to set out the expectations of use.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council Reserves and Facilities Bylaw 2018:

Horses in Reserves and on the beach:

No person may take or ride any horse into or on a reserve or beach, or allow any horse in the person's custody, charge or control to be in a reserve or on a beach, unless the horse is:

1. Under continuous control of the person or otherwise properly secure; and
2. On a reserve or beach, or part of a reserve or beach specified by the council as an area where a person may take or ride a horse in accordance with schedule one to this bylaw;
3. Or a reserve or beach where there is dedicated signposted horse riding trails.

The council may specify:

1. A reserve or beach, or any part of a reserve or beach, as an area where a person may take or ride a horse; and
2. The time or times when a person may take or ride a horse into or in a reserve or beach, or part of a reserve or beach.

No person shall leave in a reserve or on the beach, any waste produced by a horse, unless placed in a rubbish bin provided by the council for this purpose.

Council's code of conduct for horse riding areas must be adhered to at all times.