07/06/2026
If you care about sustainable tourism and the economic viability of small communities in New Zealand, then please consider making a submission on the following before they close on the 14th of June:
https://www.topsouthnow.co.nz/news/6a1e162ca811a1fe18163a9f
Here's my thoughts:
1. Golden Bay is dependent on tourism for it's economy. If we want the Top of the South, and especially Golden Bay, to thrive, then we, including our Councils, should be doing everything possible to work with and support local tourism businesses.
2. Golden Bay Kayaks is a reputable business that provides many benefits to the Golden Bay community, including but not limited to:
- employment and training opportunities for people.
- encouraging visitors to stay in Golden Bay longer (and therefore support other local tourism and hospitality businesses.
- supporting local schools and educational programs (and thus helping our youth expand their horizons).
- supporting and conducting marine search and rescue missions. This is a very isolated area, adjoining New Zealand's most popular and most visited National Park. Without a business like Golden Bay kayaks located at Tata beach, then lives will be put at risk. People make mistakes and we definitely don't want any local tragedies if it can be avoided. By having a business like Golden Bay Kayaks next to such a popular and large marine park, provides an extra level of safety for both locals and visitors.
3. By selling the land, TDC will get a one off injection of capital and thereafter minimal financial benefits (based on what I have seen in Kaiteriteri and parts of Golden Bay, if the section is sold it will most likely be bought by a wealthy person that uses it as a holiday home and offers very little to the community and it's economy). By retaining part of the land for the community and visitor access and selling the remainder to Golden Bay Kayaks, Golden Bay will get long term benefits through increased visitor numbers and people staying longer in Golden Bay, which will help ensure other businesses thrive and can afford to pay rates and other council expenses.
4. I have personally used Golden Bay Kayaks when my brother and his family were visiting from the North Island and we were all extremely impressed by how beautiful the area is and how much there is to explore by kayak. Based on this experience, my brother and his family returned to the North Island and encouraged other people to visit Golden Bay. This is how sustainable, successful tourism works (not relying on expensive advertising budgets, cruise ships, etc).
5. We live in Nelson but we have a rental property in Motueka, so we are TDC ratepayers. As a ratepayer, I genuinely believe that Option B is the best option for the long term benefit of TDC.
Golden Bay Kayaks fears Tata Beach land sale
topsouthnow.co.nz
Golden Bay Kayaks fears Tata Beach land sale
