Community has its say at Tāupo Bay hui

Far North District Council Mayor Kahika Moko Tepania, alongside Kohepu Chicky Rudkin, Cr Arohanui Allen, Cr Davina Smolders, and FNDC staff, met today (31 March) with Taupō Bay residents to discuss the removal of beach access steps and to outline potential pathways forward.

The hui, facilitated by Whangarei District Councillor Simon Reid, provided an opportunity for residents to raise concerns about the impacts of the step removal, including environmental considerations, health and safety, and the level of prior communication. The council leadership and staff attended the hui to listen, respond to questions and explain the council’s role and responsibilities.

Kahika Moko reiterated that FNDC acknowledges the Taupō Bay community should have been informed before the work took place and that the council has already apologised for how this was handled.

Discussion during the hui focused on options for future beach access, including whether the community could work with the council to develop a safe, compliant access solution.

Kahika Moko confirmed this is an option FNDC is open to considering, subject to legislative, environmental and safety requirements.

As a result of the hui, plans for a small Taupō Bay community working group made up of local residents will be explored to work alongside council staff and community board members towards a resolution.

The group was encouraged to attend the upcoming Bay of Islands–Whangaroa Community Board hui on Thursday 9 April, with Kahika Moko noting that the community board is the delegated authority responsible for considering any proposal relating to public access on reserve land.

Kahika Moko said the council leadership and staff appreciated the opportunity to meet with residents in person, understand the site context and to hear local perspectives directly.

He confirmed that any further information requested will be provided and that the council remains open to ongoing engagement.

“While the conversations were robust, they were constructive and we value the time residents took to meet with us and share their views,” he says.

“The council is committed to working through this matter carefully, while also continuing to respond to the district’s current state of emergency following recent severe weather events.”