It is pleasing to finally see discussion and formulation of an action plan by Oamaru authorities in relation to issues around viewing the town's blue penguins.
The penguins - the world's smallest - come ashore each night and make their way to their nesting burrows and boxes at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony at the end of Waterfront Rd, under the cliffs along the historic harbour foreshore.
The colony is owned by the Waitaki District Council and managed by its company, Tourism Waitaki.
It is run as a commercial venture, with daytime self-guided and guided tours around the facility, which comprises covered seated viewing grandstands, boardwalks through the colony to view the nesting boxes, information huts and research facilities and interaction with and commentaries from staff.
Evening is the best viewing time as penguins in their hundreds make their way ashore after a day's fishing, over the rocks, up a ramp and into the colony.
There can be little doubt the set-up offers a comprehensive experience for visitors and the greatest protection for the penguins, with strict rules in place, including no cameras, as the penguins are frightened by noise, movement and bright lights.
Of course, the penguins can and do come ashore anywhere and everywhere along the waterfront.
The little birds can be found wandering through the town at night as they try to make their way to their nests and they can easily be seen around the harbour and boat ramps near the facility.
Many visitors and tourists have become aware of another viewing spot nearby, which of course is free, and where there is no restriction about proximity or camera use.
The number of tourists watching the penguins at night has increased markedly, and there have been stories of people chasing penguins for photos.
High visitor numbers at the colony, combined with those along the waterfront, have led to an increase in traffic, which is a concern in terms of safety for penguins and tourists alike.
A group of volunteers has been doing a sterling job outside the colony, trying to direct traffic, talk to tourists and keep the penguins safe. But it is clearly not an ideal situation.
While there has been debate about the cost of viewing at the colony, it would seem there are a range of viewing and pricing options, and all appear reasonable for the experience and in the context of other tourism ventures.
The issue is of course not specific to the colony. Many tourist attractions may be deemed expensive to some. Some attractions can be partially viewed without paying.
Visitors need to decide for themselves whether they will pay extra for a more comprehensive experience.
For many, the price of such an attraction in an overall overseas trip may not amount to much; for budget travellers, it may not be possible.
Respect is needed on both sides. Locals need to remember visitors might not spend money at all attractions in their area, but are likely to spend at some, or in other ways - food, petrol or accommodation - which contribute to the economy.
Tourists must respect the heritage they are viewing - whether it is flora and fauna or bricks and mortar - and should also remember that there is a price to the community to run, staff, protect and maintain facilities.
Of course, when crowds gather, and in the excitement of the moment, basics can go out the window and something needs to be done to protect the penguins first and foremost, and to also ensure visitors are safe and welcome.
While the issue has become heated, it has to be viewed in perspective.
It is simply a growing pain, the result of the tremendous vision, enterprise and efforts by many locals which has turned the town into a thriving tourist destination with subsequent business, development and employment opportunities.
It is to be hoped Mayor Gary Kircher, the Waitaki District Council, Tourism Waitaki, tourism operators and police (if necessary) can work together to find a solution that continues to allow the town's natural history, built heritage, businesses, locals and visitors to co-exist.
