Going back to Takou Bay

The Takou Trust has reopened access to Takou Bay beach through private land after seven years of closure.

Renewed access to the beach is by private road through the Takou settlement and down a steep dirt road. There is a 20km speed limit, for the safety of children and to reduce dust nuisance.

A $5 per car charge will help maintain the road though trust land.

Takou shareholders decided to close public access to the beach in 2004 because of increasing traffic and associated safety risks.

Mayor Wayne Brown is delighted about the trust's recent decision. He says a $3000 council contribution to the cost of a grader is well worthwhile to allow public access to a beautiful surf beach.

Takou Bay whanau have established a rahui from Takou Taumatangi - Pink Beach - to Tohoranui River - Elliots Beach - ruling out diving to prevent over-harvesting and depletion of kaimoana.

The move is supported by neighbouring landowners Kauri Cliffs and Elliots Beach Otaha Farm.

Meantime Takou Bay tangata whenua continue their possum and predator control on bigger blocks of native bush and coastal pohutukawa on the perimeter of 2500 hectares to protect native flora an fauna.

Although Takou and Taronui are now open, Elliots Beach, one of the area's best surf beaches, remains out of bounds, except by a long walk and boulder hopping from Taronui.

Most of the Purerua Peninsula's coastline is shut off and Tapuaetahi remains closed to public access.

- © Fairfax NZ News