24 Oct 2018

Fixing Te Mata Peak's contentious track could cost $1m

2:31 pm on 24 October 2018

Changing a controversial track up Te Mata Peak could cost up to $1 million in consultancy and landscaping fees, Hastings District Council says.

The controversial walking track up the Eastern side of Te Mata Peak.

Iwi describe the zig-zag track up Te Mata Peak in Hawke's Bay as a "scar". Photo: RNZ / Anusha Bradley

The costs for altering the track, which was created by Craggy Range winery last year, were released to a member of the public under the Official Information Act.

They show consultants helping the council decide what to do with the walking track could be paid $500,000 in fees for "technical reports, development option reports and consultation."

"This is an unbudgeted expense," the council said.

It could cost $200,000 to remove the zig-zagging Craggy Range track - which has been described by local iwi as a "scar" - in its entirety.

A further $280,000 to $300,000 would be needed to create a new summit track as proposed by the winery and iwi, after they struck a deal earlier this year.

However, other options are being considered which could cost less.

Who would pay this cost was yet to be determined, the council said in a statement.

"The source of funding is uncertain at this stage, whether it will be internal or external to council."

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