Do you like our local beaches?

For a dip, a surf, a splash, a fish, a body board, a horse ride, a swim, a boogie board, or a one-gasp wetting of the toes – how do you use your local beach in Hurunui?

One natural feature, so many uses, and users.

Hurunui District Council (HDC) is reviewing the Northern Pegasus Bay Bylaw and is keen to hear how and why you use this coastline, what you like about it and if you have experienced any issues.

A survey is being circulated for anyone who uses the Northern Pegasus Bay beaches in Hurunui District – the coastal area from the southern district boundary at Ashworths Beach, north to Amberley Rocks.

Why? Because this coastline is of high ecological value and home to several recreational activities.

Leithfield Beach residents Gavin and Pauline Brooker are nearly a stone’s throw from the sand, just a three-minute walk from their back door. It’s a daily spot they’ve visited with their miniature Yorkshire terriers Tootsie and Daisy for four years.

They enjoy walking, picnicking, photography, fishing and sharing their local beauty spot with family and friends.

Gavin appreciates Leithfield Beach as a shared facility for locals and those from further away, and some small improvements would mean maximum enjoyment for everyone.

Alongside fellow members of Leithfield Beach community, Gavin said annual beach clean ups illustrate that their sandy back yard is often used as a dumping ground.

“Leithfield Beach is great 80% of the time and it can be a very social place, but clearer signage and some rubbish bins would help.”

Chief Strategy and Community Officer Judith Batchelor said enjoying our local coastline is all about balance.

This is why Council is reviewing the Bylaw.

“It’s about both the needs of our recreational beach users and the environmental needs of our coastline being met,” said Batchelor.

To date, Council has received more than 130 survey responses. Posters are dotted around beach entrances, or details are on the Council’s website. A big thank you to everyone who’s taken a couple of minutes to share their thoughts.

If you’d like to tell us about how you use the Northern Pegasus coastline, please keep an eye out for the posters, or visit the Consultations page on the website, https://www.hurunui.govt.nz/have-your-say/consultations