Offroad-Express

One can only hope that these dickheads are brought to justice and made to pay for their crimes. Unfortunately the law is already on their side.

Trail torque magazine
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DOC dismayed by damage.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) on the Coromandel are investigating a complaint from a landowner at the top end of Maratoto Rd, that a group of 4x4 owners cut fences on private land and trees on DOC lands, during a recent weekend.
The group were aware that the gate to the Maratoto trail was still closed when they traveled to the area. The landowner was most annoyed at the attitude of the group when they were approached.

DOC are considering prosecutions for the illegal activity.

Such vandalism is the height of stupidity in an area that already has limited four wheeling options. Certainly the Maratoto trail itself is late opening this year because of the wet Spring, along with a need to do blasting and then get a digger up the trail to do overdue maintenance, but that does not excuse vandalism.

Alan, in what way is the law already on the side of those idiots? I know that it's often difficult for DOC to prosecute for driving on DOC managed lands, but they can use the law for any damage to trees etc.

Peter

I don't understand your question.

I was referring to the penalties and their limitations.

Either way some w##kers need a kick in the head

Doc etc are always looking for an excuse to further restrict access to areas such as this

Last thing we need is this sort of behavior.

I doubt its anyone that is connected with a 4wd club. They would have more sense right??

So we assume its some randoms??

And from your comments Stage1v8, the people in question were apprehended??

I hope they get served, and it is made clear that they aren't associated with any of the local clubs who respect and main the area!!!

Imagine if we got permanently locked out of Maratoto!!!!!!!!

They were not apprehended by DOC but were approached by a landowner who got at least one persons 'nickname'. DOC are short staffed in Thames and were not advised of the incident for several days. They are investigating the damage.

well there is about only half if that of people who own and 4wd's and drive off road that actually go off road. There is lots of young guys getting into it and no one is telling them were they can and cant go. and when they do they just dont listen. most dont give two sh*ts where they go or what damage they do.

Not all young, new guys that arent club members don't give a shit and don't listen.