Press statement by Mayor K Gurunathan
While most of Kapiti are choosing to remain in their bubbles and safe lives there are some who are breaching the
isolation protocols in place under Covid 19 Alert Level 4. In particular, I want to give a clear warning to those
off-road trail bikers hooning up the Maungakotukutuku Valley and also at the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve.
I realise that it is the role of local authorities to continue to educate the public but these blatant and continuous
breaches in these two hotspots cannot be tolerated by our communities because they are a potential source of Covid 19
transmission and, therefore, a danger to the public. If there are accidents then the first responders, obliged to
provide first aid, will also be put in danger.
The only words I have to describe them is to label them community idiots and I have directly asked the police to take
action. I appeal to the agitated local residents at Maungakotukutuku Valley, and the Waikanae Estuary where they are
also damaging the sensitive environment, not to confront these people but continue to contact the police.