“Shame on You”: Clutha Council Scraps Beach Safe Zones Despite Wildlife Protection Pleas
By Lions Roar Aotearoa Local Government Desk
BALCLUTHA — Wednesday, February 4, 2026 — Tensions boiled over at the Clutha District Council chambers today as councillors voted to abandon a year-long investigation into creating vehicle-free “safe zones” on the district’s beaches.
The decision was met with cries of “shame on you” and “dishonour” from the public gallery, as residents accused the council of caving to recreational interests over the protection of endangered native wildlife.
1. The Vote: Scrapping the Safe Zone Review
The review of the Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw was initially triggered in early 2025 following a string of violent incidents in the Catlins, including the alleged harassment of a sea lion at Tautuku Beach and the horrific discovery of three sea lions found dead with gunshot or stab wounds in 2024.
Despite the initial momentum for reform, the newly elected council—following a December workshop—moved to cancel the specific investigation into vehicle bans. At today’s formal vote, the motion to scrap the review passed overwhelmingly, with only Councillor Simon McAtamney voting in opposition.
McAtamney, a holdover from the previous council, stated he remained open to the safe zone review, but his colleagues disagreed. Councillor Bruce Graham led the argument against the ban, stating that vehicle-free zones would be nearly impossible to enforce. “There will always be dickheads that are going to break those rules,” Graham argued. “I can’t see any advantages of closing beaches or making safe zones.”
2. “Honour Your Word”: Public Gallery Erupts
A group of local residents occupied the back of the chamber throughout the meeting, holding a sign that read ‘Honour Your Word’—a reference to campaign promises made regarding environmental protection.
During public deputations, Keith Olsen, a resident of Papatowai Beach, gave an impassioned plea for the safety of “non-human” beach users. He noted that Papatowai is home to ground-nesting birds like oystercatchers and is a frequent resting spot for a visiting elephant seal.
“Just saying ‘don’t be a dickhead’ doesn’t cut the mustard with the sort of people who are likely to be dickheads,” Olsen told the council. “Signage is not enough to prevent dangerous vehicle use.”
Award-winning children’s author and Papatowai resident Diana Noonan also appealed to councillors’ integrity. “I appeal to you today… that you remember your promises from the past and that you do not dishonour them,” she said. When the final vote was tallied, the group shouted their disapproval before filing out in protest.
3. The Alternative: A District-Wide Speed Limit Review
Instead of banning vehicles, the council has pivoted toward a district-wide review of beach speed limits. Council staff confirmed that work is already underway with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to set new limits intended to curb dangerous driving and protect wildlife.
The speed limit review is expected to be completed by October 2026. However, critics argue that speed limits do little to stop the intentional harassment of animals or the destruction of nesting sites above the high-water mark.
4. Balancing Access vs. Conservation
The Clutha District Council has long struggled to balance the traditional “kiwi right” to drive on beaches—often used for boat launching, seaweed collection, and access to remote cribs—with modern conservation needs.
While the 2023 bylaw already prohibits driving on sand dunes and above the high-water mark, today’s decision confirms that for the foreseeable future, no beach in the Clutha district will be entirely off-limits to vehicles.
