When I created the ‘Protect Endangered New Zealand Sea Lion’ petition on Change.org in June 2020, and began corresponding with Forest & Bird, the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust, local Department of Conservation rangers, Politicians, Councilors, pakake specialists, Mana Tāhuna and Tangata whenua, I dreamed the Clutha District Council would respond with a ‘Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw.’ Now, here we are… and the power is in your hands. Be a part of an essential and meaningful change in law. Please make a submission to the Clutha District Council via the form online at www.cluthadc.govt.nz, email them at help.desk@cluthadc.govt.nz or mail them at ‘Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw, Clutha District Council, PO Box 25, Balclutha 9240.’
The benefits of restricting vehicles on beaches go beyond protecting indigenous, endangered species, such as:
1) Conserving the wildlife tourists associate with the Clutha District and come to witness in their natural habitat.
2) Increasing tourism, thereby increasing the Clutha District’s economy.
3) Increasing the economy will create opportunities.
4) Enhancing all beach-goers experience by limiting waste pollution and noise pollution on beaches.
5) Preserving your backyard.
6) Joining in on a majority nationwide stance against vehicular vandalism.