No seeing in New Year at East Cape Lighthouse

LIGHTS OUT: The East Cape Lighthouse remains closed due to damage to the track leading up to it. That means no watching the sunrise on 2023 at the iconic East Coast atttraction. Picture supplied

Access to the East Cape Lighthouse will remain closed to the public as the track to the landmark has been extensively damaged by weather events over the last year.

The lighthouse is managed by Martime New Zealand and it has an easement across the Kohere whānau land.

“The track was created for servicing and maintenance of the lighthouse and since the land was returned to our whānau we have continued to allow public access across our whenua,” said Rena Kohere, speaking on behalf of her whānau.

In November 2021 the whānau made the decision, at the request of their local community, to close public access to the lighthouse as a safety precaution to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Over the last year the East Coast has been struck by numerous weather events that have caused damage and closures to State Highway 35 and the East Cape Road.

The lighthouse track has also been damaged in these weather events and in its current state is not safe to allow public access.

“We are working with Maritime NZ, who are responsible for the repairs, but we don't yet have a time frame for repairs,” Ms Kohere said.

“In the past, we have had over 350 people at the top of our maunga to watch the New Year's sunrise and we understand what a drawcard that is for the region, but with the state of the track we have to prioritise safety over seeing the sunrise,” she said.

The Anaura Bay Department of Conservation campsite is also closed due to weather damage.