Strong feelings on proposal to close Cape Palliser road

Checkpoint

Public hearings are underway on a proposal to close a popular paper road on the Wairarapa coastline due to vandalism and destruction. The paper road, which runs through both Crown and privately owned Maori land, provides access to a remote section of the Cape Palliser coast used by outdoor enthusiasts such as surfers, campers, and hunters. But the proposed bylaw, which would restrict access for up to three years to allow the whenua to heal, has provoked strong feelings from both those sides. Mary Argue reports.