Motueka Sandspit Scenic Reserve, Tasman feedback

Summary

The Motueka sandspit has significant cultural, recreational and wildlife values, but sometimes these can be in conflict. We’ve identified some issues relating to the current classification and management of the reserve, and a range of options to address these.

We have been seeking feedback on these to help us decide how to manage the sandspit in the future.

Background

The Motueka sandspit is part of the Motueka River delta, which consists of:

• the sandspit
• the river mouth
• the 'Kumaras' estuary.

The sandspit is easily accessible and is popular for a range of recreational activities, including walking and dog-walking. Users of the sandspit can enjoy views across Tasman Bay/Te Tai-o-Aorere and to more distant landmarks including Rangitoto ki te Tonga/D'Urville Island, the Richmond and Arthur ranges and Abel Tasman National Park.

The Motueka River delta is a significant area for tangata whenua, with a rich cultural history. Hapū, whānau and iwi, along with Wakatā Incorporation and the Ngāti Rārua Ᾱtiawa Iwi Trust, still have a strong presence in the area.

The sandspit is also an important high tide roost for shorebirds such as bar-tailed godwit, variable oystercatcher, South Island pied oystercatcher and ruddy turnstone; and is a nesting site for species such as variable oystercatcher, banded dotterel and terns. The site meets criteria for international significance (under the Ramsar Convention). 

The sandspit was Gazetted as scenic reserve in 1992 and is administered by DOC under the Reserves Act 1977. However, managing the site for its recreational, cultural and wildlife values can be challenging, and sometimes the different uses and values can be in conflict. There are several complicating factors, including physical changes to the sandspit over time, and the type of reserve classification.

Issues, options and feedback

We’ve identified some issues relating to the current classification and management of the reserve, and a range of options to address these. The issues and options are set out in this document.

Motueka Sandspit Scenic Reserve: Issues and options (PDF, 568K)

Over six weeks in September and October 2024, we sought feedback on these issues and options to help us decide how to manage the sandspit in the future. Specifically, we sought feedback on the following questions:

1. What do you value about the Motueka Sandspit? Why is it important to you?
2. What activities do you think should be enabled on the sandspit, and what activities should be restricted? Why?
3. What are your views on the issues that we’ve identified? Are there any other issues that should be considered?
4. What are your views on the options that we’ve identified? Are there other options that should be considered?
5. Which would be your preferred option and why?

Summary of Survey Responses

We have now completed an initial analysis of the responses to the survey. Motueka Sandpit Survey - Preliminary analysis of responses (PDF, 315K)

Next Steps

We will be carrying out further analysis of the feedback and may contact submitters directly to discuss their comments further. We will then identify a preferred approach and test this with iwi, the Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board and other stakeholders.

Contact

Lionel Solly, lsolly@doc.govt.nz