Locals force council rethink on Karekare stream plans

Karekare beach. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Community reaction has forced the Auckland Council to backtrack on its plan to excavate a rising stream at Karekare Beach which is hindering lifeguard operations.

The council said on Monday that it was investigating the possibility of digging a channel to lower the waist-high water levels in the stream, which drains some of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.

This was in response to complaints from the Karekare Surf Life Saving Club that the stream, which cuts the beach in two, was hampering access to its patrol base. People also crossed the stream at the beach, which had more than 25,000 visitors a year.

The work was to be done before Christmas.

However, regional parks manager Mace Ward said yesterday that a Herald report of the plan had prompted significant feedback from the community.

"We have since come to the conclusion that excavating the stream is not a workable option and have informed the surf club and our community contacts.

"We will continue to look into an alternative solution."

The council had licensed the surf club to cross parkland to reach its base.

But it had to balance its commitment to lifesaving at the beach with the varied views of the community and protecting a significant natural environment.

Waitakere Ranges Protection Society president John Edgar said the council had not consulted the community about excavation of a channel.

"Crossing the stream is an inconvenience but it's a natural feature of Karekare," Mr Edgar said. "There is no simple solution and the council needs to get the society and the community round the table."