New media practitioner meets Artificial Intelligence agent and lives happily ever after? But we are getting ahead of ourselves already
19 March, 2024 Battle lines being drawn over Waikawa Beach access A sudden announcement was made yesterday that no decision would be made on the proposed Waikawa Beach Road access project at Horowhenua District Council's meeting tomorrow on 20 March. Mayor Bernie Wanden said on Council's facebook platform that, "unfortunately circumstances have changed in that issue over the last few days." "While we will still talk about it, it won't be as in-depth as anticipated and [we are] unfortunately needing to leave that decision on the table" until council has more time to consider the options. A report attached to the agenda as a "late item" states, "Options 1 and 2 are no longer viable at this stage." Option 1 and 2 included building road access for "4WD vehicles, All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and tractors" over an informal route that traditionally serviced vehicles accessing the beach from the southern end of Manga Pirau Street. Both options require forming a lease agreement with the owners of Huritini 6B Block that crosses over the proposed road access site. The council report stated it was important the owners of Huritini 6B Block, "are not unfairly subject to criticism from the community as a result of decisions made by Council" and that people don't take matters into their own hands. "There have been reports of community members creating their own paths through sensitive ecological areas to reach the beach, driven over and damaged private land, as well as reports of a sense of fear among some residents about expressing their opinions due to welfare and safety concerns." "Additionally, there have been instances of individuals blatantly disregarding the law, as evidenced by pictures sent to Council Officers." "Police have been involved in monitoring the situation and Council Officers have kept Horizons Regional Council informed of damage and destruction of dunes and plantings." The 361 page council report also contains submissions made by the public and a report on collaborating on a water services delivery plan. [Artificially generated photo]
