Consultation has closed for South Wairarapa District Council’s Paper Road Access Bylaw.

The consultation proposed a bylaw that would restrict public access to the paper road at the end of Cape Palliser Road for a period of up to three years. The bylaw would respond to the significant issues raised by the hapū, Ngati Hinewaka concerning the ongoing damage to their land that borders the paper road, and the impact that has on an area that is of significant cultural importance to them.

The consultation drew an unprecedented response, with more than 3,500 submissions received over the four-week period, the highest number of submissions ever received by South Wairarapa District Council.

Chief Executive Janice Smith shares that these results show the power of social media driving public participation. “Through this consultation, we’re trying to understand what level of access the community feels is appropriate, balancing the need for safe public access with respect for adjoining landowners.

We’re now focused on identifying the themes from the feedback and upcoming hearings, to present robust options to the decision makers during deliberations”.

Preliminary insight from the online submissions include:

• 83.5% of submissions came from people who live outside the South Wairarapa district.
• From within the district – 81.8% not in favour of the bylaw, 14.7% in favour, 3.5% unsure.
• From outside the district – 83.8% not in favour of the bylaw, 12.6% in favour, 3.6% unsure.

Hearings will take place on 3 and 4 September, with more than 100 speakers expected to share their submission in person.

Options for elected members to consider will be presented at deliberations on 24 September.

Ends

Media contact: media@swdc.govt.nz