The Hahei community is still waiting to hear the outcome of a DOC meeting whereby a decision was to be made about whether the two tracks they proposed to close to Cathedral Cove could remain open.
In response to DOC’s statement which was without consultation with the Hahei community, the Hahei Residents & Ratepayers Association (HRRA) made a submission to DOC to keep the Hahei Beach and Gemstone Bay tracks open.
Hahei Beach
In addition, a petition of almost 18,000 signatures has been presented to DOC as evidence of very strong public and community support for keeping the tracks open which also comes with a willingness on the part of locals to maintain the tracks.
The Hahei submission is proposed as a way forward for discussion with DOC.
- That the track remains open and under DOC management with a bypass included to avoid the major slip. We have identified 2 possible ‘simple’ bypass routes.
- That DOC retain the existing infrastructure until the alternative track route bypassing the cliff section of the track (possibly modified to better align with major slip bypass route), as originally proposed by DOC, is constructed.
- Should DOC decide to continue with a ‘closure’, then that closure should be limited until funds become available to undertake the cliff bypass route and that DOC notify on-line and on site that the track is no longer maintained by DOC and that persons enter at their own risk.
DOC stated an intent to get back to the Hahei community after their 6 July discussion with Iwi.
