Gisborne District Council is seeking feedback on a proposal to close vehicle access to Titirangi Maunga (Kaiti Hill) overnight in an effort to reduce vandalism and protect the maunga after dark.
The Council says it wants to hear community views on the proposal before a decision is made.
Council’s Director of Liveable Communities, Michele Frey says the focus of the proposal is squarely on the overnight period.
“This proposal is about closing the road to vehicles overnight. People could still walk, run or bike up the maunga any time they like, day or night,” she said.
“What we’re asking the community about is whether they support closing vehicle access overnight, using lockable gates at each end of the road.”
The proposal follows a request from Ngāti Oneone to look at ways to reduce vandalism, illegal dumping and anti-social behaviour occuring on the maunga, impacting the reserve’s cultural, environmental and recreational values.
Under the proposal, Council contractors would close and open the gates daily. Emergency services, Civil Defence and Ngāti Oneone would have access and closure times would be flexible for special events on the maunga, like Fire in the Sky.
“Ngāti Oneone hapū work tirelessly to keep Titirangi beautiful and safe for everyone,” says Ngāti Oneone chairperson, Charlotte Gibson.
“The bad behaviour of a few, dumping rubbish and dead animals, abandoning wrecked cars and driving over planted areas, is why we asked Council to look at closing the road overnight.
“Tiaki taiao, tiaki whenua, tiaki tangata: caring for our environment, our land and our people.”
The feedback period will close at 5pm Friday, 14 August. Council expects to make a decision on 15 October.
Read more about the proposal to close vehicle access to Titirangi Maunga (Kaiti Hill) overnight and share your views.
