Key Takeaways:
- The new route of the Cape Brett Track poses a significant drowning risk due to deep water, strong currents, and limited escape routes.
- The track’s configuration has been changed, making it longer and more dangerous, with thousands of walkers affected each year.
- The change has been attributed to a dispute between landowner Julian Batchelor and the Te Rāwhiti 3B2 Ahu Whenua Trust, with Batchelor claiming it is a political move due to his outspoken views on co-governance.
- The Department of Conservation (DoC) has warned walkers about the new route, but has stated that it is not responsible for the track’s configuration, which is managed by the trust.
- A petition has been started to reinstate the original track, with over 400 signatures collected so far.
Introduction to the Issue
The Cape Brett Track, a popular 16.3km hiking trail in New Zealand, has recently undergone changes to its route, sparking concerns about safety and accessibility. The new route, which takes walkers along Oke Bay, has been criticized for its dangerous conditions, including deep water, strong currents, and limited escape routes. Julian Batchelor, a landowner in the area, has spoken out against the changes, stating that they pose a significant drowning risk and are a result of a political dispute.
The New Route and Its Risks
The new route, which was implemented without public consultation, has been described as "absolute insanity" by Batchelor. He claims that for half of the days in each month, the track cannot be safely used during the two-hour window around high tide, leaving walkers stranded and at risk of drowning. A video posted on YouTube by Batchelor shows three New Zealand trampers struggling in thigh-deep water on the new route, with one tramper stating that she thought she would drown. The video highlights the dangers of the new route and the need for urgent action to address the safety concerns.
The Dispute Behind the Changes
Batchelor has attributed the changes to the track’s route to a dispute with the Te Rāwhiti 3B2 Ahu Whenua Trust, which manages the track. He claims that the trust stopped paying him $3 per person for walkers to cross his land, citing the reason as a change in the track’s direction. Batchelor believes that the change is a political move, motivated by his outspoken views on co-governance. The trust’s owner, Peter Stuart, has denied this claim, stating that the route was changed to avoid crossing private land.
The Department of Conservation’s Response
The Department of Conservation (DoC) has warned walkers about the new route, stating that it is an advanced tramping track that requires a high level of fitness. However, the DoC has also stated that it is not responsible for the track’s configuration, which is managed by the trust. The DoC collects a $50 fee from walkers to cross the private land, with 15% going to the DoC for administrative costs. The remaining balance is paid to the trust, which is responsible for maintaining the track.
The Petition and Future Action
A petition has been started to reinstate the original track, with over 400 signatures collected so far. The petition highlights the concerns of walkers and the need for a safe and accessible track. The DoC has stated that the decision to reinstate the original track is up to the trust and its agent, Cape Brett Walkways. However, with the growing number of signatures and concerns from walkers, it is likely that the issue will continue to be a topic of discussion and debate in the coming months.
Conclusion and Future Plans
In conclusion, the changes to the Cape Brett Track’s route have sparked concerns about safety and accessibility. The dispute between Batchelor and the trust has highlighted the need for urgent action to address the safety concerns and ensure that the track is safe for walkers. The DoC’s response has been criticized for not doing enough to address the issue, and the petition has shown that there is a strong demand for a safe and accessible track. As the issue continues to unfold, it is likely that there will be further developments and discussions about the future of the Cape Brett Track. The DoC has announced plans to upgrade the Oke Bay staircase in May 2026, which may help to address some of the safety concerns. However, the issue of the track’s configuration and the dispute between Batchelor and the trust remains unresolved, and it will be important to monitor the situation and ensure that the safety of walkers is prioritized.