Work is underway to clear extensive cyclone damage in Havelock North’s Tainui and Tauroa reserves.
Cyclone Gabrielle caused damage in both reserves, particularly damage to trees, tracks and structures, as well as causing numerous slips.
In Tainui, a Council spokesperson told BayBuzz, a number of pine and macrocarpa trees had failed around Hikanui Pā, particularly on its western flank.
“Council is working with Archaeology Hawke’s Bay, mana whenua and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga to address the storm damage which will include removal of unstable trees, revegetation and erosion control measures.”
Council intends to partially open Tainui and Tauroa Reserves in April, depending on assessment once the trees have been cleared.
“Fully opening the reserves will depend on geotechnical reports, track repairs and construction of new structures such as bridges. This will be progressed as quickly as possible but is dependent on both the personnel and financial resources available.”
Since Cyclone Gabrielle, Council contractors have been progressively clearing damaged trees across Hawke’s Bay. The initial focus was on clearing the key lifelines of roads, drains and waterways to minimise any further potential flooding.
The contractors are now focused on remediating the Havelock North reserves.
While Tainui and Tauroa remained closed, Tanner Reserve is open and the Hikanui Reserve shared track is open, with the MTB track closed.
Te Mata Peak tracks slowly opening
Te Mata Peak Park has now opened its Chambers Walk. Walkers can get to the Main Gates car park via Tipuna Footstep, or head up Chambers Walk to Main Gates. From Main Gates, cross the road and head up the Red Track, then across Peak House lawn and on up the road to the summit.
Park workers and volunteers have also cleared some further tracks including the track from near the hairpin corner of Chambers Walk going up to the plateau. From there walkers can go through the wooden gate and up the ridge to windy ridge leading to Te Mata Peak Road .Or take the yellow track from the plateau to the Giant Redwoods then up the blue (goat track) to the summit.
Mountain Bikers can now proceed as before up Chambers Walk to Te Aratipi and then bike as usual to either Te Kahu or Te Ihu. Te Kahika is still closed but will reopen soon. Ngati Hori will be closed for some weeks still.
This Sunday March 24 there will be a working bee at Te Mata Peak’s Rongoā Maara.
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