EAST COAST PROTECTION GROUP

Hope Is Where the Heart Is

EAST COAST PROTECTION GROUP AT A GLANCE

Following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, a group of longterm beach users and people living in the local community raised their concerns to Council about potential impacts on the local ecology from the increase in public use of the beach and particularly the use of vehicles on the beach, reef and dune systems.

They formed the East Coast Protection Group (ECPG) which seeks to foster understanding of the biological diversity and cultural heritage of this outstanding natural landscape while promoting appropriate use. The ECPG is supported by the Marlborough District Council and Department of Conservation (DOC)

The East Coast Protection Group knows that sometimes all it takes to change the world is a great idea and little support. Since our founding in 2018, we have been determined to protect this ecologically significant area for future generations. The core of our efforts is to bring our team’s fresh ideas and passion to the range of activities we’re involved in. Through all of our endeavours we hope to display the conviction behind our beliefs.

Reports

Values

Making A Difference

Our Place

Marlborough’s East Coast stretches between the confluence of the Awatere River mouth in the north and the Marlborough District Council (Council) boundary south of the confluence of the Waima/Ure River.

The People

Māori have lived along the East Coast from the start of human settlement of Aotearoa -New Zealand. The area is nationally unique and highly significant, holding evidence of the three main stages of Māori occupation.
The low rolling hills of the East Coast was valued but European settlers as a pastoral farming area and the scenery has always attracted visitors and locals alike.

Wilderness

The Coastline of Marlborough's East Coast provides the greatest visual drama in the south Marlborough landscape. The spectacular rocky outcrops of the Needles and Chancet Rocks along the Limestone Coastline south of Cape Campbell are extremely memorable and display very high levels of naturalness.

Ecology

The extensive sweep of gravel beach dividing steep cliffs and ocean along Marlborough’s East Coast gives the area a rugged and remote feeling and is home to many species of terrestrial and marine indigenous flora and fauna.

Public Use

Public access to the East Coast is limited to a small number of access points. Marfells Beach recreation reserve and Ward Beach are where most public access the area. The camp ground at Marfells beach is used by locals and visitors year-round.
Surf-casting for fish and bird-watching are popular and this is a setting-off point for a popular 6km walk to the lighthouse at Cape Campbell/Te Karaka.

The Future

The East Coast Protection Group understands the need to take action to ensure that the physical environment that has allowed the human values that have been treasure over the centuries to continue to exist for future generations.

“Everything that is done in the world is done by hope”

EAST COAST PROTECTION GROUP