Ligar Bay baches: what should happen to them?
The GB Weekly’s online survey last week promoted a vigorous discussion.Here are some abridged comments:
“I think the people who are living permanently in a house on the reserve should be offered a lifetime deal to stay, but the baches that aren’t permanent residences should be removed in 2014.”
“I mourn the disappearance of the old-style NZ bach and think the Ligar Bay baches are wonderful examples of the genre. I’d vote for them remaining for the lifetime of the present owners. There is plenty of unoccupied reserve land there already.”
“We would all like a bach right on the beach front but theses baches are outdated eyesores on reserve land that could be used as a picnic area by locals and holidaymakers.“
“The first time I went to Ligar Bay I thought the old baches added character to the area and the new subdivision looked, and still looks, uninspired and dull.”
“Holiday baches? Lived in by people who are renting off lease holders? Lived in long-term by people who own other residential property in Golden Bay? Then baches should be removed by 2014. Lived in long-term by people who own no other property in Golden Bay? TDC and leaseholders should come to a final agreement and not repeat this renegotiation process every few years.”
“The baches are part of what makes Ligar Bay so beautiful, don’t destroy them, let them stay.”
“Some of these baches have changed hands during the lease period. Several are leased out commercially as holiday renters. Low lease paid for a million dollar site, (imagine purchasing the land and paying real market rates). They did not have to join the sewerage scheme, a very expensive exercise for many residents.”
“Once the lease expires, could they become public property and, instead of being demolished, managed as rustic holiday accommodation for anyone to use much like Baird’s Cottage in Totaranui and the DOC huts up the Cobb?”
“The council is determined to create a bland, conformist social environment. The baches should stay with the right to be sold on to whoever can afford to make the purchase as is the case anywhere else in Tasman District.”
“I love the baches. Some of the more permanent baches are beautifully kept and add to Golden Bay’s quirkiness. It should not become another Kaiteriteri.”
“What is the point of destroying these historic baches simply because they are on road reserve, when there is enough beachfront picnic space there already? This is bureaucratic vandalism. Preserve the few historic buildings of Golden Bay, a precious holiday destination for Kiwis for generations.”
“The Ligar Bay baches have been part of my family’s summer for 18 years, they are what genuine Kiwi holidays are all about. Ligar Bay is very fortunate to have such iconic buildings amongst the now changing architectural landscape. I say leave well alone. Who are they harming anyway? I’m sure the council could find something more important to focus on.“
“Richard says that his family has enjoyed 18 years of holidays on the Ligar Bay beachfront, I have lived in Golden Bay for 58 years and have been prevented from enjoying the same privilege, because others are squatting on public land, thus preventing the rest of us from using this area. Nice for some, but a very selfish outlook.”
“Baches at the beach are part of our NZ heritage. Could it be that the people who want them removed are jealous? Extend the leases and leave them as they are.”
“There are eight Ligar Bay baches - by bulldozing them how is Ligar Bay/Golden Bay going to be improved? Let them stay!”
“Where do you draw the line? If these leases are extended now the same argument will occur in the future. The TDC and bach owners must honour the existing agreement. We heard these exact same arguments 20 years ago and if the lease is extended, we’ll hear them again. When will it end? “
