Philanthropist and author Christine Fernyhough said families had always gone to Black Swamp, Te Arai Beach, near Mangawhai Heads to walk, play, surf, swim and fish. "We and Te Arai North Limited have worked very quickly to come up with a proposal that we believe will satisfy the concerns around access presented to us by the Save Te Arai group." At a recent Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee meeting councillors heard a deputation from the Save Te Arai group. A developer has backtracked on its plans to move a beachside carpark after the community voiced concerns it would make beach access more difficult. Mrs Fernyhough believed beach access was a right for New Zealanders.

Source: New Zealand Herald May 20, 2016 01:26 UTC