Key Takeaways:
- The Whakatāne District Council is considering a proposal to allow volunteers to restore the West End walkway, a section of the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway that has been closed for four years due to slips.
- The proposal, put forward by Austin Oliver and Angus Robson, estimates the restoration cost to be around a tenth of the $451,000 allocated by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
- The council has expressed concerns about health and safety liabilities, but Oliver and Robson argue that following health and safety protocols can minimize risks and that community engagement and cost savings make the project worthwhile.
- The proposal has received widespread community support, with over 500 people signing a petition in favor of the project and many offering to help with the restoration.
Introduction to the Proposal
The Whakatāne District Council chambers were filled with supporters of the proposal to restore the West End walkway, a section of the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway that has been closed for four years due to slips. The proposal, put forward by Austin Oliver and Angus Robson, aims to allow volunteers to restore the track, which would not only save the council a significant amount of money but also provide an opportunity for community engagement and involvement. The walkway is a popular tourist destination and an important part of the local community’s recreational activities.
The Council’s Concerns
The council has expressed concerns about health and safety liabilities, citing the risks associated with the restoration work. However, Oliver and Robson argue that following health and safety protocols can minimize these risks and that the benefits of community engagement and cost savings make the project worthwhile. They have also pointed out that the Department of Conservation has successfully navigated the use of volunteers to maintain its tracks, and that there is no reason why the Whakatāne District Council cannot do the same. The council’s concerns are not unfounded, as the area is prone to landslips and the restoration work would require complex remediation in a high-risk area.
Community Support
The proposal has received widespread community support, with over 500 people signing a petition in favor of the project. Many of those who signed the petition have also offered to help with the restoration, whether it be through physical labor, financial contributions, or expertise. The community’s enthusiasm for the project is evident, and it is clear that the restoration of the West End walkway is a priority for many local residents. The support for the project is not limited to the local community, as the walkway is also an important tourist destination and its restoration would have economic benefits for the region.
The Council’s Response
The Whakatāne District Council has not ruled out the involvement of volunteers in the restoration of the walkway, but has stated that any work would need to be done in accordance with health and safety protocols. The council’s community experience general manager, Alexandra Pickles, has said that volunteers would need to go through the standard procurement process alongside other options once the council determines its preferred reinstatement approach. The council has also acknowledged the significance of the area to Māori, with Mayor Nandor Tanczos stating that the council would make a decision in the new year when it had engineering reports and various associated reports presented to council.
The Significance of the Area
The area where the walkway is located, Kāpū te Rangi, is of great significance to Māori, as it is the site of the ancient pa of Toi, one of the cradles of Māori civilization. The walkway is also an important part of the local community’s recreational activities, and its restoration would have significant cultural and economic benefits for the region. The council’s acknowledgement of the area’s significance is an important step in the restoration process, as it recognizes the importance of preserving and protecting the area’s cultural and historical heritage.
Conclusion
The proposal to restore the West End walkway is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of health and safety liabilities, community engagement, and cultural significance. While the council has expressed concerns about the risks associated with the restoration work, the benefits of community involvement and cost savings make the project worthwhile. The widespread community support for the proposal is evident, and it is clear that the restoration of the West End walkway is a priority for many local residents. The council’s decision on the proposal will be eagerly awaited, and it is hoped that a solution can be found that balances the need for health and safety with the benefits of community engagement and cultural preservation.