Te Ara o Taruheru/Taruheru River Trail is the Trust's major current focus. We want the trail to be well-used, as it enhances mana whenua and community wellbeing and aspirations, and the mauri and health of the river itself.
We are working alongside mana whenua, Gisborne District Council and the community to develop a safe route from the end of Ngā Wai Weherua (City Rivers) Trail at the river end of Derby Street, following the Taruheru River as closely as possible to Campion Road and beyond. We believe this project, included in Council's Long-Term Plans since 2018, is achievable and will bring numerous benefits as it connects the eastern suburbs to secondary schools and recreational activities.
The Mitre 10 pathway was upgraded to a concrete surface in the 2024 winter, with drainage and lighting installed. This is another significant step towards progressing Te Ara o Taruheru.
We will make safety a priority for people walking, riding bikes, scootering, skateboarding, wheel-chairing, and riding mobility scooters, while not disrupting car traffic and while keeping the trail affordable. Further community engagement on all trail options will take place in the second half of 2024.
Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails is working with Heritage Tairāwhiti on a photographic display of the river and a trail options map to exhibit in the Centre of Heritage (old Plunket Building) near the Peel Street Bridge. We will also have a display at the A&P Show in a tent shared with Council.
Iwi have shared some of the mātauranga Māori regarding the significant waterways of Te Tairāwhiti in Nga Whakaaetanga a Ture mo te Tairāwhiti Statutory Acknowledgements. Sharing this knowledge on storyboards, together with post-1800 stories of people and place, will help enrich our Tairāwhiti trails and enable educational experiences.
Rongowhakaata tipuna held considerable knowledge of the whakapapa, traditional trails, tauranga waka (the resting place of canoes), and places for gathering kai, rongoa and other taonga associated with the Taruheru River. Their traditional practices guided the use of the bountiful resources provided by the Taruheru. The tikanga-based relationship of the people with the river maintained the balance for the sustainable utilisation of resources. The Taruheru River plays a special role in the traditional economy and culture of Rongowhakaata and is of great significance to the social, spiritual and physical lifestyle of the contemporary Rongowhakaata people. All of these values remain important to the people of Rongowhakaata today. -- Nga Whakaaetanga a Ture mo te Tairāwhiti Statutory Acknowledgements
