Media release
Thursday 18 July 2013

Safety concerns over motorbikes on Mamaku Reserve

Rotorua District Council (RDC) and Rotorua Police are concerned about increasing instances of unauthorised riding of motorbikes on the Mamaku Reserve and are asking local residents to help the council and police to bring a halt to the practice.

RDC parks and recreation manager Garry Page said not only has the council had to repair damage to the domain and fences, but there was a real risk that someone was going to get hurt - either a bike rider or some innocent person using the reserve.

Mr Page said because of those concerns, along with issues relating to noise and disturbance to neighbouring residents, motor bike riding had been prohibited on the park.

“We’re aware that many Mamaku residents share our concerns and we’re working closely with Rotorua Police to try and resolve the problem.

“It’s certainly not easy for the police to catch offenders in the act, especially given bike riders’ ability to scarper on their bikes when someone official turns up.

“But with the help of locals reporting incidents to Rotorua Police, especially when there are people whose safety is at risk or there is vandalism taking place, we may be able to make some progress.

“It would also be helpful if any reports to the police include a description of the people involved and even motor bike registration plate numbers where possible,” said Mr Page.

Rotorua Police area manager prevention, Inspector Ed Van Den Broek says safety of the riders and the public was their number one concern.

“We’ve received complaints about motorcyclists riding at speed through an area designated for all people to use. This places the safety of these people at risk, as well as the safety of motorcyclists often seen riding without helmets.

“When locals ask these motor bike riders to stop their activities they’re regularly met with verbal abuse. Accordingly, we will take enforcement action and we encourage the reporting of this type of activity by calling the Rotorua Police on 348 0099, or Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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