Council lobbies to regain control of the beach
Auckland City today resolved to lobby the Minister of Internal Affairs to extend the City’s boundaries to the low water
springs mark.
This would restore the status quo after the new Local Government Act 2002 redefined the council’s boundaries to the mean
high water springs.
“The new act means the council has lost control of the beach below the high water mark, affecting bylaws like dog
control and public places. As a consequence control of dogs and other animals, vehicles and council boat launching ramps
have been lost,’’ says Councillor Juliet Yates, Chairperson City Development Committee.
Prior to the new act coming into effect in July 2003 the council’s boundary was the limit of the territorial seas, or 12
miles out to sea.
A clause in the Local Government Act 2002 allows for the Minister of Internal Affairs to alter the boundaries of a
district to include land that in the minister’s opinion should be included in the district.
“We are confident sense will prevail and beach goers this summer will still be able to enjoy our waterfront in safety.”