Preserve New Chum/Wainuiototo for Everyone

We are the voice of the past, the present & the future, dedicated to the preservation of New Chum beach/Wainuiototo for ever.


New Chum beach/Wainuiototo is iconic, pristine, remote, untouched. 


Recognised as one of the world’s top wilderness beaches, New Chum beach/Wainuiototo is under threat of development. The catchment behind the beach is privately owned and over the years, there have been several attempts to subdivide.


“Preserve New Chum for Everyone Inc” believes that New Chum beach/Wainuiototo is special, a ‘taonga’ (treasure), which should remain undeveloped for future generations to enjoy.


The impact of development which would bring with it houses, people, pets, and recreational vehicles would destroy the very values; isolation, remoteness, pristine vistas and endangered wildlife, that make New Chum beach/Wainuiototo unique.


The significant heritage value associated with this land further entrenches the importance of this iconic location, untouched for generations. It also hosts significant forests and native wildlife colonies which add to its outstanding and important coastal value.

Latest news - Our High Court case is over



We appeared in the Auckland High Court in June 2023 to contest an Interim Decision of the Environment Court for changes to the Thames Coromandel District Plan.


We were appealing a Structure Plan proposal which would allow 25 house sites in the area -14 in the Whangapoua catchment and 11 in the New Chum/Wainuiototo catchment. We believe that the beach has regional, national and international significance and should be conserved as a wilderness beach. We argued the points of law which supported this.


We were ably represented in court by our barrister, Rob Enright. His fees were covered by ELA and some very generous donations on our Give-a-Little page. Thanks to all who supported our cause. In a few short weeks, we were able to raise $20k, an incredible response.


We expect to hear a decision on our High Court appeal by the end of this year. To hear the decision as soon as it is available and to keep in touch with what is happening at New Chum/Wainuiototo, please click on the link below to join our newsletter.


In the meantime, please know that we are working tirelessly on your behalf to preserve New Chum beach/Wainuiototo as a wilderness beach.

John Drummond, Chairperson of Preserve New Chum Inc (left) and Rob Enright, Barrister (right) at the High Court in Auckland

For a detailed timeline of events associated with New Chum beach/Wainuiototo, click here.

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