City beaches will shine year-round

One of the region’s key assets is now in line for year-round care thanks to a joint initiative between Gisborne District Council, Gisborne Holdings Ltd and other local businesses.

The city beach – between Waikanae and the Pipe carpark will now be regularly groomed in an effort to keep it in tip-top condition for locals and visitors alike.

Mayor Rehette Stoltz says she is extremely proud of the pro-active partnership between Council and its holding company GHL, in looking after one of our precious taonga which is a hot spot for tourists and locals alike.

GHL chief executive Richard Searle says the focus is making one of the region’s best features more accessible and enjoyable, with plans afoot to expand the project to include other beaches around the region.

The beach grooming has already been hugely appreciated by the Kaiaponi Waikanae Surf Lifesaving Club, who will shortly host the BP New Zealand IRB Nationals Championships.

Club manager Clara Wilson says they are “so grateful” to GHL and Council for the extensive work that has already been carried out over recent weeks.

The nationals are the country’s largest inflatable rescue boat (IRB) competition and attract 342 competitors from across New Zealand and Australia.

“We are delighted to be staging the event on a beach we can be proud of,” says Ms Wilson. “We can’t wait to show off the area to all the competitors, organisers and visitors.”

Mr Searle says everyone recognises the beaches are a massive asset for the region and the need to do something to keep it clean on a regular basis – not just post weather events.

“This is a concerted shift from reactive to pro-active,” said Mr Searle.

The equipment and machinery include a tractor and trailer, beach groomer and a tele handler, and has been fully funded through external grants provided to Council.

Some of the equipment is still to arrive but the project had been loaned gear by Brandt, Tairāwhiti’s John Deere dealers alongside a second-hand groomer so the project could run straight away. Jukes Carriers is providing an operational base.

“The project is being supported by local businesses. Anyone we have spoken to is happy to support the concept because there is huge value in having an asset like this not compromised by something that can be dealt to. We want our beaches to be looking their best and a safe place for our swimmers and lifesavers.”

Much of what is coming off the beach is small in size, but the challenge is still how to deal with the waste. “We are looking at how best to manage that,” said Mr Searle. “At the moment we are storing it at a GHL site prior to burning but that is just a stopgap until we find a better way to deal with it.”

He described the project as a trial period between GHL and Council to better understand the cost and benefits. The project covers beach beautification work and smaller to mid-size clean ups, but Mr Searle cautioned larger events will need a separate response.
“This is an investment into something that is an attraction for the region. GHL manages the Waikanae TOP 10 Holiday Park so you could say we have a vested interest in this, but it really is for the wider region we are involved – the beach is a hub for sports, recreation and relaxation, so we want it to be looking the best it can.”

GHL chairperson John Rae said the project was a perfect fit for the organisation.

“Region first is part of our DNA,” said Mr Rae. “This is not a profit-making operation but a cost recovery exercise on something that is good for Tairāwhiti and we are more than happy to be part of it.”

There’s a new crew keeping our beaches clean for locals and visitors alike.
Photo by Strike Photography