If you are interested in helping clean up cyclone-ravaged Te Mata Park see the email  address at the end of this story.

Te Mata Peak and surrounding park took a huge hit during Cyclone Gabrielle and is currently closed with its status described as “inaccessible and hazardous” and access blocked at the Tauroa Rd end and the Main Gates Car Park.

Chair of Te Mata Park Trust Board Mike Devonshire says an assessment has revealed extensive damage throughout the Park. “This includes slips and/or fallen trees on the vast majority of tracks and damage to many fences and gates.

“Some tracks are completely blocked and require substantial work to clear and there areprecarious partially fallen trees and dangerous slips on exposed tracks.

“The new plantings (52,000 native trees) have suffered some damage from large slips, however we are confident that most will bounce back,” says Devonshire.

 He says the Board and management team will work with contractors over the next one to two weeks to clear Chambers Walk and ensure the road is safe. A few key link walking tracks will also be addressed, and volunteers and contractors will be working on the mountain bike tracks which have been severely impacted. 

“We are aware that professional contractors are stretched and their valuable time is being allocated to those most in need. Hence the timeline for work is heavily dependent on their availability.  

“It is likely that the Park will be opened in stages, with designated areas opening when they are deemed safe. Closed areas will be blocked with danger tape. We will keep Park users informed of progress and ask for your patience as we work through the challenges ahead.” 

Devonshire says Peak House will remain closed as there is still no power to the Park. Updates will be made via their Facebook page. 

If you wish to help in the clean-up efforts, please contact Emma Buttle on [email protected].

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.