Whakatāne District Council has heard from volunteers who want to help restore the West End section of the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway, demonstrating the connection the community has with this treasured track.
Volunteers presented their skills and dedication to the Council, showing their willingness to contribute toward bringing the walkway back to life.
The West End section of the walkway has been closed since a slip occurred following significant rainfall in 2022. A second slip in September 2023 further delayed reinstatement work and required additional investigation.
Council approved $200,000 for track reinstatement in December 2022 as part of a district-wide storm damage repairs programme. Additional funding of $451,000 was received from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in August 2023.
Alexandra Pickles, General Manager Community Experience says the enthusiasm is inspiring and the Council is working to ensure the best possible outcome for the future of the track.
"This is a much-loved walkway, and we recognise how important it is to so many people," Ms Pickles says.
"We want to ensure any decision is based on thorough technical analysis and considers both safety and financial implications. This isn't a simple repair job - the site has experienced multiple slips, and we need to get a full understanding the ongoing risks and costs to enable Council to make the best decision on its future."
Independent consultants are completing a peer review of technical reports, including geotechnical assessments and a quantitative landslide risk assessment. Their findings will inform a detailed options analysis covering full reinstatement, an alternate route, or closure of this section.
Ms Pickles says the Council has not ruled out volunteer involvement in the project.
"The Council health and safety obligations require us to ensure any work is done properly and safely, as far as is reasonably practical. If volunteers wish to be considered as part of the solution if reinstatement is decided, they will have an opportunity to take part in a procurement process alongside other options."
A decision paper outlining risk assessments, proposed route options and indicative costings is expected to be presented to Council in February 2026.