New Coastal Track Opened at Pātea Reforestation Site
South Taranaki District Council has officially opened a new track through one of its coastal reforestation sites in Pātea, following a site blessing held on Tuesday 12 May.
The blessing was attended by Mayor Phil Nixon, Deputy Mayor Rob Northcott, Jacq Dwyer from the Pātea Community Board, Council staff and iwi representatives from Ngāti Ruanui. Kaumātua led the blessing, marking an important milestone in the development of the site.
Mayor Nixon acknowledged the significant work currently taking place at this site and across the district to develop and enhance Council-managed spaces, noting the positive benefits for both the environment and the community.
“It also highlights the success of our environmental cadetship programme, with cadets gaining valuable, hands-on skills in site preparation, planting and predator control,” he said.
The official opening of the track coincided with the Pātea Area School cross country event, providing an opportunity to see the new community asset in action. The event showcased the track’s intended use while highlighting the wider benefits of environmental stewardship.
The new track is a 2.1km grass pathway winding through 10 hectares of native planting. By the end of this winter, around 40,000 native plants suited to local conditions will be established across the site.
Designed as a shared pathway, the track can be used for walking, running, cycling and dog walking. Two access points have been created off Egmont Street, opposite the golf course and near Bourke’s Lookout. Barriers have been installed to enable access for bicycles and prams while restricting motorbike entry, helping to protect the fragile sandy terrain from damage.
Council’s Environment and Sustainability Manager Cindy Koen says that while the track is regularly maintained, users should be aware that a reasonable level of fitness is required due to some short and steep sections.
“As this is a nature trail, the surface is uneven in places and may not be suitable for people with balance or mobility limitations,” she says.
“The new track links with existing recreational routes, extending the Pātea Loop Track and complementing recent track upgrades from Bourke’s Lookout to the beach, as well as the Riverside Track and the great work of the Pātea Planting Trust.”
This project reflects the strength of community support, with valued contributions from Toi Foundation, the Ministry of Social Development, and Trees That Count.
