Offroad-Express

To all Auckland Clubs.

We have received a number of complaints via Rodney District Council from residents of Ararimu Valley Road over the use of 4 wheel drive vehicles on the berms of Ararimu Valley Road adjoining Riverhead forest. The complaints are that the 4 Wheel Drive vehicles in this area is creating undue mess both on the road and on the berm arrears, noise and worst of all are damaging telecom cables resulting in loss of phone services to the area. The phone cable had been damaged about 20 times by vehicles. They also complain that 4 Wheel Drive activity prevents them from riding horses in the area. Residents have approached some of the drivers and have received abuse and threats.



There is no direct evidence that any of our members are involved in this but residents describe some of the vehicles as being enthusiast’s vehicles, and seem to believe that organized groups are moving into the area.

I am told that the area concerned is part of Riverhead Forrest and therefore is private property. I have spoken to several of the residents who show genuine concern and seem genuinely upset about the situation and asked if we are able to help.

I have pointed out that most owners of 4 Wheel Drive vehicles don't belong to NZFWDA and that we have no control or authority over non-members. I have also pointed out that our members have places to drive that are legal, suitable and for which we have permission to use, so there should be no need for our members to use this area, for which no permission to access has been given.



The problem for us is that this situation is reflecting badly on us all and is damaging our reputation. I would hate this situation to reach the media, as it is likely that we will be painted as the villains. I would like to ask all clubs to remind their members that this area, like all private property requires permission to access and should not be used. Also if you are aware of anyone 4wding in this area, please educate them on the benefits of belonging to a club and encourage them to use arrears for which we have permission.



While it may seem to some of our members that this is yet again another area that is being closed of to us, I would point out that no one has ever had legal access to this area and that by cooperating with councils we can usually gain a lot more than we lose.

I will be talking again with residents and council and landowners to try and solve this situation. I will also point out to residents that they have no more or less right to this area on horseback than anyone else.



Please feel free to call me if you would like any further information or advice.



Many thanks



Tony Burgess

Northern Zone President,

NZ Four Wheel Drive Association.

Ph 0274792636 or 09 2980194

Fax 09 2980134

Email nthzpresident@nzfwda.org.nz

Mudde1 wrote:We spent some time in this area in 2009 and spoke to a lot of people using the area and several of them joined local 4x4 clubs and most promised to keep away from the area in the future.
Last time i spoke to the locals was around late 2010 and I was told that there had been a big improvement and the situation was not as bad as in the past. Very disappointing to hear that there appears to be problems again.
Tony Burgess

NZFWDA.