A public meeting about vehicles on a popular Northland beach descended into shouting, swearing, cheers and jeers.

The divide between those who want vehicles on beaches banned, and those who want access to remain on Tip Rd, Uretiti was discussed vigorously on Wednesday night.

The Waipū Residents and Ratepayers Association held the meeting to discuss the issue, potentially as a first step to lobbying access owner, the Department of Conservation, for a vehicle ban.

Association secretary and Bream Bay Coastal Care Trust member Marilyn Cox previously said four-wheel-drives are illegally driving to nearby Waipū Wildlife Reserve, one of just four places where the critically endangered fairy tern nests.

READ MORE:
* Recreation v shorebirds: Northland community debates vehicles on beaches
* Cheat Sheet: How will the new pay-to-drive plan work on Muriwai Beach?
* Auckland’s Muriwai Beach will close to vehicles for third summer in a row

She was also concerned about damage to sand dunes and safety for people using the beach in front of popular Uretiti Campground.

But most of the approximately 200 meeting attendees were against a vehicle ban, saying the beach access was an important way of life, especially for people with disabilities, according to a social media video of the full meeting.

The Tip Rd access is one of the few in the area which has unrestricted vehicle access year-round, allowing access to kilometres of white, sandy beach for fishers and family picnics.

One local, Gabrielle “Gabi” Kinnell raised concern about the way the vehicle ban had been proposed by the association – whose mandate is to represent people in Waipū.

She said Cox had a potential conflict of interest as both association secretary and coast care representative, and shouldn’t be managing the issue.

In response to the allegation, Cox told Stuff while she did feel strongly about the damage done by vehicles, she valued honesty and truth.

The meeting also heard from people raising concerns about the increasing popularity of the beach with visiting Aucklanders, and the dangers of speeding drivers to other beach users and shorebirds.

Numerous drivers said there was a need for signs, showing where vehicles are banned for the wildlife refuge and explaining the 30kph speed limits.

Northland Regional Councillor Rick Stolwerk​ said it was not possible to put up bollards or a fence without consent and previous ones had to be removed.

He said it was up to the whole community – especially those in support of beach driving – to enforce the rules that were in place.

“It’s up to you and your community to back these rules – and that includes the sand dunes, you have to police them.

“If you obey the rules there won’t be an issue.”

A report on the consultation and meeting would be sent to all members of the association, who could point out any omissions, she said.

Cox hoped to give the report to DOC, which sent its apologies for the meeting.

While the meeting was well-attended, with 125 signing in at the door, she said there were a number of acrimonious people who were shouting.

But Kinnell thought it was a robust debate showing the strength of opposition to a vehicle ban – which she hoped was now off the table.

“I hope that people will now come together to make it a safe and better-organised area.”