Watch NZH Local Focus: Erosion debate divides Taupo District Council

There's been another twist in a long running drama in Kinloch over the cause of lakeside erosion.

This week the council revoked its December decision to ban car access to the reserve - following public outcry for it to remain open.

The president of the Kinloch Community Association, John Crowley says the idea that cars are contributing to the erosion is wrong, because lakeside erosion is occurring in places where cars are already prohibited on the Kinloch shoreline.

But councillor Christine Rankin, who wants the reserve closed to vehicles to protect the environment and lakeside says she's "seen the damage that cars cause on that reserve".

"There are a heck of a lot of them during the holiday period, a huge number, so they do cause damage."

But Ratepayer Larry Grigg says he and others in the community are sick of the lack of action and says sand replenishment where the erosion is occurring will stop the banks from eroding, with "nature taking it's course" whilst leaving the reserve open for vehicle access.

"The overall solution is to shift the sand, that will have to be done on a regular basis, its not something that's a one-off, and I don't see it as a big problem, in fact we've (the community) done some costings on it, and it's not even that expensive," Mr Grigg says.

Councillor Zane Cozens agrees and says the council should do what a majority of the ratepayers want - to keep the reserve accessible for all.

The council passed a motion for cars to continue accessing the beach while two planned proposals are drawn up for the council to consider and make a final decision on the future of the Kinloch Reserve at the end of next month.

One plan will assess the merits of the car ban - the other will look a replenishing sand - and installing barriers around trees.

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