One of New Zealand’s most iconic and untouched beaches is once again at the centre of a legal battle, as the community group Preserve New Chum for Everyone (PNC4E) returns to the High Court in June. The group is appealing a recent Environment Court decision that declined to amend the Natural Character mapping of New Chum/Wainuiototo on the eastern Coromandel Peninsula.
The legal challenge is the latest move in a long-running campaign to prevent residential development near the beach, which campaigners say would irreversibly damage its wilderness character and ecological integrity. Known for its golden sands, native bush, and lack of road access or buildings, New Chum is often described as one of the last truly undeveloped beaches in New Zealand.
PNC4E is seeking changes to the structure plan proposed by Northern Land Property Ltd, which would allow for up to 25 houses on private land behind the middle section of the beach. While the northern headland of the beach was secured for public ownership and protection in 2021, the fate of the land directly behind the central part of the beach remains uncertain.
“All of the values that make New Chum so special—its natural character, biodiversity, cultural and archaeological significance—are dependent on it remaining free of development,” said PNC4E spokesperson John Drummond. “Houses visible or audible from the beach would destroy that unique experience.”
The group has been actively involved in the planning and legal process since 2013, participating in the Thames-Coromandel District Council’s District Plan hearings, three separate Environment Court hearings, a previous High Court appeal in 2023, and years of mediation. Despite earlier victories in both the Environment Court and High Court, the latest decision not to revise the natural character mapping has led the group to pursue what they describe as a “final chance” to halt the proposed development.
PNC4E is the sole appellant in this round and has engaged a team of specialists, including planner Rob Enright and renowned landscape architect Di Lucas, who believe the group has a strong legal and planning case. Local iwi, including Ngāti Huarere and Ngāti Hei, have also supported the appeal by providing mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) evidence in court proceedings.
However, the fight has not been without its financial strain. The Government’s Environmental Legal Assistance Fund, which previously supported cases like this, has now been discontinued. As a result, PNC4E is aiming to raise $50,000 to cover legal expenses for the upcoming High Court hearing.
“Our members and supporters have been incredibly generous, often digging deep into their own pockets,” said Drummond. “We’ve had some pro bono support and discounted fees, but this next legal step requires significant resources. We’re asking New Zealanders who value New Chum to support us again.”
The proposed housing development has long been contentious. Environmental groups, iwi, and locals argue that even low-density housing poses a threat to the ecological balance of the area, which includes wetlands, native bird habitats, and critically endangered species such as the Archey’s frog. The beach also holds deep cultural significance to local Māori, who view the area as a taonga (treasure) that must be protected for future generations.
“We’re not anti-development,” said one campaigner, “but there are some places that are too special to touch. New Chum is one of them.”
New Chum Beach lies between Whangapoua and the northern boundary of the Coromandel Forest Park. It is only accessible by a 30 to 40-minute walk over a coastal track and rocky headland—an isolation that adds to its allure and vulnerability.
Over the years, various proposals to build roads, housing, or tourist infrastructure have failed to proceed, often due to strong public opposition, environmental concerns, and difficulty obtaining consent. While there is growing public sentiment to see the beach and surrounding land brought into permanent public ownership or conservation status, that outcome remains elusive.
Groups like Forest & Bird, the Environmental Defence Society, and numerous individual campaigners have called for national intervention to ensure the site is protected in perpetuity. Despite support from some local councillors and the broader community, the future of New Chum Beach continues to hinge on legal decisions and public pressure.
For now, the beach remains in its pristine state—free from the hum of engines or sight of rooftops. But PNC4E warns that could change if the High Court appeal fails.
“This is likely our last opportunity to stop development here,” said Drummond. “We remain resolute that significant changes to the structure plan must be made to protect this beach and bay for future generations.”
The outcome of the June High Court hearing could determine whether New Chum remains a protected sanctuary or opens the door to future development. PNC4E continues to fundraise and mobilise public support in the lead-up to the hearing.
More information about the campaign can be found at: www.preservenewchum.org.nz
