Council warns waterfront property owners not to take matters into their own hands

While coastal erosion may be posing a threat to some Auckland waterfront properties, homeowners are asked to work closely with Auckland Council first and not to take matters into their own hands. This comes after a Beachlands property owner carried out substantial preventative erosion work without council building and resource consents, landing them a fine of more than $41,000. Chief Environment Court Judge David Kirkpatrick said the regulatory regime exists for good reason, which includes protecting the environment, and the health and safety of the public.