My Account
Problems with set netting at Matakatia was the main issue highlighted on the Hibiscus Coast by monitoring over summer – despite the fact that it was not one of the beaches actually being monitored.
Auckland Council staff have been monitoring set netting at Omaha, Hatfields and Browns Bay since the end of last year; the process ended on March 31 and the information is now being analysed.
Set netting, which entails placing nets in the water with anchors or weights, is legal but can cause safety issues for swimmers and boaties. It is also open to abuse, with some nets reportedly left unattended for long periods.
Under the Public Safety & Nuisance bylaw Council can impose restrictions on the practice, where evidence exists of a public safety or nuisance issue. The monitoring was to gather evidence and resulted from concerns raised by residents and local boards.
Residents of Hatfields Beach were the most vocal opponents of the practice on the Coast. Despite this, there was only one complaint received regarding set netting at Hatfields over summer. Council’s patrols observed set netting taking place at Hatfields three times.
By contrast, 10 complaints were received from Matakatia (including one that reported on activities over seven days) and one from Arkles Bay where the practice is currently banned by a bylaw enacted by the former Rodney District Council. That bylaw is to be reviewed this year and some residents fear that the permanent ban could be replaced by a seasonal one like the one trialed in Shakespear Regional Park (see below).
Council’s social policy and bylaws manager, Mike Sinclair, says staff will review the requirement for a control on the beaches monitored once full analysis has been completed. “While it is the first time we have heard about set netting activities at Matakatia, given the number of queries that too will be considered,” he says.
Council staff will update local boards in the next few months on the outcome of the temporary bans, the monitoring results and the proposed timing of the review of the Arkles Bay bylaw.
Mr Sinclair says although the monitoring is over, information is still being collected about set netting. He says the process of developing any further set netting controls will include consultation, evidence gathering, legal advice and considering possible impacts on other beaches as a result of displacement.
Temporary ban a success
Council implemented summer set net controls at Army and Te Haruhi Bays. At the close of the ban, on March 31, staff reported that it worked well with positive feedback and resolution of conflict over use of the shallow water.
