Te Ara Mangawhero gains resource consent approval
Ngāti Rangi is delighted to announce the start of its much-awaited eco-tourism initiative, Te Ara o Mangawhero, having met all necessary requirements for its concession.
Te Ara Mangawhero is a 21.3 km hiking / cycling trail located on the flanks of Mount Ruapehu connecting Tūroa and Ohakune. Those who have been associated with the work leading up to the development of the trail are invited to gather at 1 Mountain Road, Ohakune next Tuesday 18 July 2023 for the turning of the first sod, kari ana te whenua.
Board Chair Whetu Moataane, said Te Ara Mangawhero enables Ngāti Rangi to fulfil important obligations as tangata tiaki o te taiao (environmental custodians) in the trail’s development, operation, and servicing.
“Te Ara o Mangawhero will enable regular, meaningful and vital (re)connection of Ngāti Rangi to Koro[1], te awa o Mangawhero, other maunga, the native bush and all its inhabitants in Te Waonui ā Tāne. It affirms our rights to care and protect these taonga - this is kaitiakitanga in action.”
The project will be led by the manager of the Pae Whakahaumaru group within Ngāti Rangi, Dave Kereti. The Ngāti Rangi entity, Ruapehu WorX, comes within the authority of Pae Whakahaumaru.
“Most of the trail winds along the historic Bennet and Punch tramline” said Mr Kereti. “Te Ara Mangawhero embodies the dreams of our tupuna; to walk, play and enjoy the majestic landscape we share with the wider community. Building, preparing and walking Te Ara Mangawhero is all about celebrating and uplifting the House of Paerangi (Ngāti Rangi uri and hāpori). We can’t wait to start”.
It is predicted the completed trail will be used by 41, 000 people annually.
“Te Ara o Mangawhero has a range of important environmental and ecological features such as podocarp forests, trout spawning waterways, and rare plant species” said Mr Kereti. “Ruapehu WorX, working alongside of Edifice Structures, will be installing a series of bridges over the Mangawhero river and its tributaries; providing a unique lens into the beautiful forests around us. It is ambitious but so important that we are contributing to a legacy that will outlast us all”.
Mountains to Sea Trail Champion Lynley Twyman said "It is exciting to see Te Ara Mangawhero come to fruition. We are pleased to celebrate this iwi-led trail project on Ngāti Rangi rohe, conserving and showcasing the unique environment and sharing the stories of this incredibly special place. We are looking forward to welcoming manuhiri and locals to connect along this path on their journey once it is complete”.
Background to Te Ara Mangawhero
Te Ara Mangawhero is one of eight sections that connects the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride, as part of the wider Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails. Te Ara Mangawhero was approved a $3.55 million grant from the Provincial Growth Fund (managed by Kānoa, MBIE’s regional economic development and investment unit)
Te Ara Mangawhero is a significant section on the Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride. One of 23 Great Rides, our cycle trail is a unique partnership connecting a range of iwi, landholders, councils, and communities with support from Ngā Haerenga NZ Cycle Trails, MBIE and Department of Conservation. Navigating the stories, environment, and geology from Ruapehu to North Mole (Tasman Sea) in Whanganui, the over 300kms of trails are making a difference to communities right through the districts.
Thanks to the support of many parties including government funding managed by Kānoa and support from Ruapehu District Council, we are realising another step in the journey on the trails begun in 2009 with the opening of the first section being Ohakune Old Coach Road.
[1] Refers to Mount Ruapehu
Press Release | Ngāti Rangi 11 July 2023
