The Mahanga Reserves Management Plan for Mahanga Beach was formally adopted by the Wairoa District Council this week.
A four-hour special meeting of the council on Tuesday in the Wairoa War Memorial Hall was held to receive submissions for the beach north of Mahia Peninsula.
Among them was consultant Paul Thomas acting
on behalf of former All Black Murray Mexted, Paul Williams, and Servaas van Breda Malherbe, who proposed a subdivision at the northern end of the beach.
Consents have been granted for that proposal by independent commissioners for Wairoa District Council and the Hawke's Bay Regional Council. There was an appeal to those decisions which was yet to be heard.
Mr Thomas said the owners of this land had been unable to spend much time in Mahanga because their bach was burnt to the ground one year ago.
He said the consultants preparing the council's management plan had not considered his client's plans.
After considering the verbal and written submissions and in consultation with its consultant Sue Dick the council made variations to the plan.
Angle parking was to be removed from plans in favour of a mown strip wide enough for parallel parking.
The southern car park was to remain as it was and submissions relating to the lowering of speed limits were to be referred to the Speed Limits Review Process.
Boardwalks at the northern end were to be removed from plans but if future dune restoration, planned by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, was undertaken near the urupa and archaeological site a boardwalk may be required.
Further discussions were required with hapu regarding dune restoration in the urupa and archaeological area.
Entry points for vehicles along pathways though the dunes will be landscaped with bollards to prevent vehicle access.
The council supported the idea of installing a turning circle at the northern end of Judges Parade.
Dave Fraser presented a submission on behalf of Mahanga E Tu, the community group appealing Mr Mexted's subdivision.
Last month the Environment Court rejected an attempt by Mr Mexted's group to make Mahanga E Tu pay a deposit of $15,000 in case they lost their appeal.
