Wheelbarrow jamboree draws attention to “private beach”
Residents of Tukurua and adjoining bays held a ‘wheelbarrow jamboree’ last Sunday. Photo: Gerard Hindmarsh.
Fifty-four residents of Tukurua and adjoining bays converged on the low-tide beach in front of the Golden Bay Holiday Park last Sunday afternoon to hold a wheelbarrow jamboree. The event drew renewed attention to Tukurua now having a "private beach", as currently being marketed by the motor camp and various accommodation places along the coast nearby.
The energetic occasion was a chance to celebrate the wheelbarrow and the beach, two things near and dear to every coastal smallholder.
"It was also an effective and respectful way of reminding everyone that the beach belongs to everyone, even if the access through the camp for locals had been withdrawn since December 24," said jamboree organiser Paul Winspear.
Participants had to reach Tukurua beach by walking the 1.3km along the shore from Onekaka or 0.6km from Parapara.
Fifteen decorated wheelbarrows were entered into a dozen races that included men's and women's unladen and laden, along with children's events. Prizes were awarded to winners in all sections.
Since buying the camp three years ago, Golden Bay Holiday Park owner Bob Perriam has found himself embroiled in an increasing dispute with locals, not only about restricting access to the beach, but also maintenance cost-sharing of Tukurua Road.
Tukurua Road residents, now without beach access, have further to travel to the beach than many inland residents, though their property valuations are higher as they live closer to the Coastal Zone. Several property owners are objecting to their valuations due to loss of access to the coast.
Responding to the protest, Tukurua camp owner Bob Perriam said that it was not his company's policy to become "involved in totally needless debates through the local paper. There's so much misinformation being printed."
Previous articles published elsewhere had been interpreted in ways that cost the camp business, Mr Perriam said.
Mr Perriam also said that some of the camp's neighbours were interested in actively seeking a solution to the conflict in the neighbourhood.
"The power of negotiation comes from building relationships," he said. "And they are built when we recognise each other's needs. Slating us through the local paper is not the way to build relationships."
Gerard Hindmarsh
