June 2023
We appeared in the Auckland High Court on June 26-28 as a party to the Environment Court Case of 2019 (see below). We believe that the beach has regional, national and international significance as a wilderness beach and we argued the points of law which supported this. We expect to hear a decision by the end of this year (2023).
2022
Headland - Following the purchase of 30 ha of headland by the NZ Coastal Trust, the Environmental Defence Society has been researching an ownership and management structure for the land in conjunction with the QEII Trust and others. Factors to be considered include ongoing maintenance and funding, public access, pest control, relationships with mana whenua and groups such as DOC.
January 2022
The interim decision for our Environment Court Case (see 2019 below) was released. Although the judge agreed that the area behind New Chum beach/Wainiuiototo was special and worth conserving, he considered that some development may be appropriate, provided it couldn’t be seen from the beach or 50 m out to sea.
(Environment Court Preliminary Findings)
December 2021
We were successful in WINNING the tender for 30 ha of headland at the northern end of the beach. A large part of the beach and hinterland is now safe from development.
November 2021
30 ha at the northern end of the beach is advertised for sale by tender. Preserve New Chum Inc and other groups combine forces to put together a competitive tender for the land with the collective aim of bringing it into public ownership.
In April, Preserve New Chum Inc went to the Environment Court to gain better protection for the beach through the TCDC District Plan. We were well represented with a team of legal, landscape, planning and ecology experts. Thanks to many kind donations from the public and several generous grants, we were able to employ a great team. The preliminary results of the court case were released in January 2022.
(The Informer, March 2019,
Coromandel Chronicle, April 2019)
2018
New Chum beach/Wainuiototo nominated as one of the top 10 New Zealand beaches in a New Zealand Herald survey.
2014-2015
Ross and Deidre Mear apply for consent for a revised development consisting of 4 lots. The land is the same piece of land that the (still active) 2013 application was for.
(Application details, TCDC website)
2015
2014
2013
John Darby talks about his vision for the development of New Chum beach/Wainuiototo.
Coastal Land Trust Holdings applies for consent for a revised development for a 3 lot subdivision. As a controlled activity under the RMA, TCDC (local council) cannot refuse the application but can apply conditions. The application is put on hold while the applicants gather further information. This application remains on hold today.
2012
Environment Waikato confirms their commitment to having public access and natural character of New Chum beach/Wainuiototo protected, but is not willing to contribute towards its purchase.
2012
Coastal Land Trust Holdings presents a revised application for development, consisting of 12 lots. This application is later withdrawn.
2011
John Darby's development of sensitive areas including Te Arai Point and New Chum beach/Wainuiototo.
2011
The owners of New Chum beach/Wainuiototo withdraw their offer to sell to the Crown.
2011
Thousands of holiday makers and residents gather on the beach to form a human message “Save Me John Key New Chum”. Phil Keoghan of the Amazing Race, Actor Robyn Malcolm and sports stars Richard Kahui and Stephen Donald attend in support.
Showdown at New Chum beach/Wainuiototo.
(North and South Magazine, January 2011 )
2010
Owners make offer to the Crown to purchase New Chum beach/Wainuiototo in a public-private partnership. The offer is later withdrawn in March 2011.
2010
(Otago Daily Times, November 2010)
2010
The group 'Preserve New Chum for Everyone' is formed and becomes and incorporated society. The group’s goal is to preserve the beach in a pristine state for future generations.
The development of precious coastlines is examined in this article 'Paradise Lost?'
2010
A reporter spends a day in the life of New Chum beach/Wainuiototo in this article 'An old Chum'.
(Close up - TV One, Oct 2010)
2010
TCDC receives a record number of submissions against the proposed development of New Chum beach/Wainuiototo.
2010
New Chum beach/Wainuiototo, a disputed piece of paradise.
(Close up - TV One, 17 August 2010)
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