Whanganui hui discusses vehicle issues at Castlecliff

The talking stick Ruth Tidemann made for November 11's Castlecliff Kōrero worked a treat, she says. Photo / Stuart Munro

Hooning vehicles on Castlecliff's reserve, beach and dunes have been annoying some residents for 30 years, a Castlecliff hui heard.

The meeting was at 2pm on November 11, in the hall at Castlecliff School. About 50 people came, including police, Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall, deputy mayor Jemmy Duncan and council staff.

If there were any fireworks, they were about the lack of progress over 30 years.

"There were a few heated moments when people wanted to know what the council would do about it," said Ruth Tidemann, one of those who called the meeting.

Speed was an issue. The council is consulting on speed limits for a range of district roads, including the beach. No immediate decision was made.

A lot of people wanted motorbikes and quad bikes to keep off the dunes. The quad bike riders present agreed, and said they didn't drive on them.

Police said they were unable to pursue bikes in the dunes, because they didn't have the right vehicles and the pursued person could get hurt.

Applause broke out when one person said driving the wet sand at low tide damaged kai moana.

"There are definitely people who feel for the destruction that's been happening," Tidemann said.

Rubbish dumping and car burning in the dunes were other issues, and the old question of whether the beach should be flattened and have its driftwood cleared every summer came up.

The Castlecliff Kōrero group will now decide what to do next. Deputy Mayor Jenny Duncan has written to say council is happy that people are talking.

"We need community and council support for this. We need to all be on the same page," Tidemann said.