Napier fisherman plans to skirt round beach barriers: ‘We pay a s***load of rates'

RNZ News

22-05-2025

Days after they were installed, vandals removed them and destroyed 38 pōhutukawa trees.
Photo:
LDR/Linda Hall
Steve Dean says he'll drive the long way along the beach to his usual fishing spot, despite what he perceives as the threat of a $400 fine.
His access has now been blocked by wooden barriers erected by Napier City Council along Marine Parade, from the National Aquarium of NZ to the Pump Track.
"The council is treating us like sheep," he said. "We pay a s***load of rates, and then they tell us where we can and can't go.
"Now they have locked us out."
Dean understood why the council prevented vehicle access to the beach, but "there must be some way around it for sensible people".
"Why can't we have a key for the barriers?" he said. "The fishermen are not causing any damage.
"We drive to our spots with our fishing gear, fish and then leave."
The council said the barriers were put up to prevent vehicles from tearing up the grass and destroying trees. Just days after they were installed, vandals in 4WD vehicles removed them and mowed down 38 pōhutukawa trees.
Council said the damage would cost $20,000 to fix.
"It's not the fishing community hooning up and down the beach, or destroying trees," Dean said.
He had fished from the same spot for 15 years, taking the same path there and back.
On a recent visit, he claimed a woman out for a run approached his group and said she worked at the council.
"She told us that cameras were going to be installed and that anyone caught parking on the beach would be fined $400.
"She also asked us if we knew anything about the trees being destroyed."
A Napier City Council spokesperson said the only camera near the area was already in place at the pump track.
"We have no plans to install any other cameras. Incidents of wilful damage to council property are reported to police and fines of $400 can be issued for it."
A spokesperson said the Council Parks and Reserves Bylaw 2021 (part 9) said "except in areas designated or provided for that purpose, no person must on any part of any reserve, including waterways within reserves park, ride or drive any vehicle or cart, motorcycle, power cycle or cycle of any kind".
Would fishermen be fined if they drove on the beach to their usual fishing spot? That depends, a council spokesperson said.
"Fines are set by the court, if a person is prosecuted for breaching any bylaw."
Dean said the fishing community was not trying to cause trouble.
"We just want to find a fair solution," he said. "We can't just move spots.
"People like me, who have been fishing in the same spot for years, can't suddenly encroach on someone else's spot."
The Napier resident said he loved fishing.
"It's relaxing, I catch up with friends, watch the sun come up and, if I catch too many fish for my family, I give some away.
"It's a good feeling helping people put healthy food on their table."
A council spokesperson said the timber barriers were installed after complaints from nearby residents and members of the public, and if fishermen wanted to discuss it, they should contact the council's customer service team.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.