Vehicle access blocked at Kāwhia Beach to protect marine life

Thursday 22 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Fri 23 Oct, 9:01am

Onepū Charitable Trust is installing a wooden pole barrier at Kāwhia Beach near Maketū marae to permanently block vehicle access. The trust says the move is necessary to protect damaged seafood beds, fish spawning grounds, and seabird nests from vehicle damage.

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1. Waikato TimesThu 22 Oct, 4:00am

   Vehicle access cut off at Kāwhia lagoon to protect marine life (opens in new tab)

2. RNZFri 23 Oct, 5:22am

   'Responsibility to protect': Kāwhia trust blocks vehicle access to beach (opens in new tab)

3. 1News via RNZFri 23 Oct, 9:01am

   'Sick and tired': Trust blocks vehicle access to beach (opens in new tab)