Bike hoons cause mayhem in Te Paki Reserve

Date:  01 December 2010

A group of up to 10 motor bikers, believed to be from the Kaitaia area, are under investigation by  the Department of Conservation following reports that they sped along tracks, campgrounds and rest areas, including Cape Reinga, during a day of reckless mayhem. 

Wheelie marks on the new viewing
platform at Otangawhiti just south of
Cape Reinga

A camper, who wrote to the Department, described a scene out of a lawless Western movie, saying the group tore through the Taputaputa campground; circling campers, then roaring through the day area, a popular spot for tour buses and visitors, as well as across sand dunes and sensitive cultural and historical sites. 

Even Cape Reinga wasn’t spared. Judging by the state of the track, they drove through the entranceway where visitors enter and exit the site. 

Eyewitnesses also reported the group tearing up and down the Te Paki sand dunes, many of which contain koi iwi (human remains) and historical artefacts.

DOC’s Area Manager in Kaitaia, Jon Maxwell, says that although the physical damage was minimal, the disrespect for cultural values, including one of New Zealand’s most iconic cultural sites, and the complete disregard for public safety, was inexcusable.

“The areas they hooned through are all high use areas by the public. They could easily have collided with someone, or hit a child playing on the beach or at the campground. And imagine if an elderly person had been walking through the entranceway to Cape Reinga,” says Mr Maxwell.

As it turned out, there was an injury. One of the bikers hurt himself riding down the track from Cape Reinga to Te Werahi and had to be airlifted out by rescue helicopter.  

“So not only did they endanger themselves and others, but they then tied up valuable resources as a result of their stupidity,” says Mr Maxwell. 

Mr Maxwell says the Department is currently conducting interviews and collecting evidence. He says the Department takes the incident very seriously, and is exploring legal options.

“We want to send a very clear message that this behaviour is not tolerated,” says Mr Maxwell.

The Department is very keen to hear from anyone who can aid them in their investigation. Please contact the Department of Conservation in Kaitaia on 09 408 6014. All information will be treated in strictest confidence.

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