Bay of Plenty horse riders are invited to join a ‘Hikoi of Hope' at Tuapiro Point near Katikati today following a proposed bylaw review banning horses from the popular beach.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council is undertaking the review in response to riders going outside permitted areas, leaving waste behind and causing damage to shellfish beds.

The local equestrian community has mounted a campaign to oppose the ban and is calling for people to make submissions to the council. Submissions close on Monday, July 9.

The Hikoi of Hope will be held at Tuapiro Point today at 3.30pm. All horse riders, family and friends are invited to attend to show their support for responsible access to the coastal recreational environment for all of the community.

To find out more about the campaign visit the Facebook pages ‘Recreational Horse Riders BOP' and ‘Why I love riding at Tuapiro'.