It is the effect on paying customers that is at the heart of the penguin-watching debate in Oamaru and is easily solved, writes Bruce Comfort. Free penguin watchers have increased in number since the beach and breakwater access gates have been kept open 24 hours. Many watchers are locals and their guests, and many are a great mix of ages and nationalities from around the world. A fence to block a view of the penguins coming up the beach is needed. And then the breakwater will not be a viewing place and can fade back into obscurity as a walk in the evening air.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 30, 2017 18:11 UTC