Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe is a reserve – help protect te taiao (the environment)

Together we are kaitiaki. The preservation of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe will require leadership from all of us and our children after us. We wish to remind tangata (people):

• To share Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe respectfully, it is for everyone’s enjoyment.

• That there are several sacred sites on the sand dunes. These sand dunes are also alive with natural habitats and these taonga deserve much care and protection.

  • Keep vehicles off all dunes.

• To not disturb nesting birds

• To not litter

• That fires are prohibited

• That campervans are prohibited

• That camping is prohibited

• That dogs should be on leashes at all times (particularly around local families, other visitors and wildlife)

 

Driving a vehicle on Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe

Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe is not a highway and it should be considered an ultimate privilege to use and receive from this iconic taonga. Please ensure you understand the risks of driving on Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe before you go.

• Your vehicle must be roadworthy/legal,

• You drive on the beach at your own risk

• Check tide times before driving on Te Oneroa a Tōhe

• Avoid driving near high-tide and allow enough time for your journey

• Avoid disturbing or driving near nesting shore birds

• General road rules apply

• Use only the approved on/off ramps when entering and exiting Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe

• Be clear on the speed restrictions on Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe:

  • 30km/hr for 200 meters either side of each beach on/off ramps and

  • 60km/hr for the remainder of the Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe.

• Take care and reduce your speed around crowded areas. who may be hard to see. 

• Drive to the conditions, they can change rapidly

• Do not drive vehicles at night – only in clear sight 

• Never drink alcohol prior or while driving on Te Oneroa a Tōhe.

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Signage

Along Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe you will see various signs reminding manuhiri (visitors) of different ways to respect this taonga (treasure). Additional signs promoting safe driving and awareness of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe and Te Ara Wairua will remind drivers to respect the spiritual pathway. Please ensure you respect Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe by following the tikanga (rules) of use.

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Limited access to emergency services

Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe remains a place of natural beauty and as such, access to emergency services are limited. To protect public safety and accessibility to emergency services, we remind beachgoers that cell phone coverage can be intermittent along sections of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe.  We urge beachgoers to plan accordingly and consider alternate emergency communication options prior to planning a trip on Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe. While there are some areas along the beach where cell service has proven more reliable, coverage overall remains patchy.

• Plan before you go, and if possible tell someone that you are going on Te Oneroa a Tōhe.

• If your vehicle gets stuck, get out of the vehicle and get to higher ground. Do not stay in your car

• If you spot someone in trouble, ensure your own safety, and dial 111 and ask for Police

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Swimming

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PREPARE  –  WATCH OUT  –  BE AWARE  –  KNOW YOUR LIMITS

Surf Life Saving New Zealand CEO Paul Dalton says last summer was one of the worst in many years, with 19 beach drownings between Labour Weekend and Easter - up 36% (five drownings) on the previous summer, despite the poor weather keeping many people out of the water." From these grim statistics, people clearly need to take their own safety at beaches far more seriously," he says.

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Te Oneroa a Tōhe Beach Board wish to remind swimmers that:

• There are no lifeguards on duty, swim at your own risk

• If in doubt, stay out of the sea.

  • Do not overestimated your ability and underestimate the risk. Take a moment to stop and think before entering the sea and

• Check conditions before swimming

• Never swim or surf alone, always take a friend.

• Supervise children at all times

  • If you spot someone in trouble, ensure your own safety, and dial 111 and ask for Police

• Don’t swim at night

• On hot days, make sure you have plenty of water to keep you and your child hydrated

• When in the sea, always face the waves so you are prepared for what is to come

• If you spot someone in trouble at an unpatrolled beach, ensure your own safety, and dial 111 and ask for Police

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Dog access rules (may change)

Below are some key messages that we want you to be aware of. To ensure you understand your responsibilities as a person in charge of a dog, follow the link below to the full bylaw

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Dog Management Bylaw Far North District Council (fndc.govt.nz)

Dog Management Policy 2018 Far North District Council (fndc.govt.nz)

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• Always show respect for Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe, keep dogs under control and on leash.

• keep dogs away from dotterels and other nesting shorebirds.

• Restrictions apply to Ahipara Why Only Ahipara when these restrictions are meant for Te Oneroa a Tōhe.

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All dogs must be on leash from 15 December – 31 January and including all public holidays, between 10am-5pm.