Marlborough District Council is consulting on
the future of the East Coast Beach Vehicle Bylaw (the
Bylaw), which
regulates motor vehicle use on beaches and unformed legal roads along
Marlborough’s east coast, between the Awatere River and the southern district
boundary.
The Bylaw was introduced following changes to
the coastline caused by the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, which increased access to
parts of the coast that were previously difficult or impossible to reach by
vehicle. Since that time, a range of views have been expressed about how
vehicle access should be managed and the extent to which it should balance
public access and recreation with the protection of environmental, cultural and
recreational values.
Council is now seeking community feedback on
whether the Bylaw should be reviewed and, if so, what issues and outcomes the
review should focus on. The accompanying Statement of Proposal provides
background information on the Bylaw, its purpose, and the matters that have
informed discussions about vehicle access on the east coast, including public
safety, environmental values, coastal ecosystems, sites of significance to
tangata whenua, and the natural character of the area.
Your feedback will help Council understand
community views on how vehicle access to the east coast should be managed in
the future and whether the current approach remains appropriate.
The consultation closed on 28 August 2026, with opportunities for written submissions and participation in hearings.
More information can be found on the Review and Scope
of Review of Bylaw in the 25 June 2026 Council Agenda.
Go to the 25 June 2026 Council Agenda information
