WRPS feels strongly that Muriwai Beach should be closed to recreational vehicle use. This view is due to environmental concerns of the area which are hugely impacted by vehicle use; the toheroa population hasn’t recovered, and the sand dunes ecosystems in the area are ranked as endangered. There are 12 threatened and at-risk species within the Muriwai Regional Park, including the rare Muriwai gecko and the white-fronted tern. The increased fire risk indicated and the safety concerns for children, horse riders, and the drivers of vehicles themselves are also serious concerns which must be prioritised.
Driving on Muriwai Beach (May, 2021)
