26 Apr 2018

Campaign seeks funds to save Te Mata Peak track

1:44 pm on 26 April 2018

A further campaign to save a controversial walking track in Hawke's Bay is looking to raise funds for legal action.

The track up Te Mata Peak has earned criticism from iwi.

The track up Te Mata Peak was criticised by iwi. Photo: Supplied / Peter Fowler

Craggy Range Winery promised to remove the track it created on Te Mata Peak following a public backlash including iwi, who were not consulted.

Ngāti Kahungunu and the Environmental Defence Society argued the path disfigured the mountain which depicted the reclining figure of an ancestral chief.

An independent review of the non-notifiable resource consent process carried out by Matthew Casey QC in January heavily criticised the council for failing to fully take into account the cultural implications of its decision.

However, the path remained popular with the public, and was being used even after it had been officially closed.

Te Mata Peak Peoples' Track Society was formed this month to represent the thousands of people who want the track to stay.

They launched a fundraising campaign, and have raised more than $1500 so far.

They said the money would be used for any legal action that may follow.

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