Our Trust’s major focus is the planned Taruheru River Trail/ Te Ara o Taruheru within Gisborne city.
This is a key transport corridor within a 5-minute bike ride for almost half of Gisborne city’s population. When built, the trail will be a well-used pathway, enhancing 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 eventually back to the Oneroa Cycle Walkway near Midway Beach, Gisborne. We believe this project, included in Council's Long-Term Plans since 2018, will bring numerous benefits as it connects the eastern suburbs to secondary schools and recreational activities.
Safety will be a priority for people walking, cycling, scootering, skateboarding, wheel-chairing, and riding mobility scooters. The pathway will be off-road and separated from vehicle traffic. Further community engagement on all trail options will take place early 2026.
Exhibition and monthly walk
An exhibition of historical photographs of the Taruheru River remains at Heritage Tairāwhiti’s Centre for Heritage (old Plunket Building) in Palmerston Road, near the Peel Street Bridge. Most of the photographs are from William Crawford, who chronicled the growth of the district from 1874 until 1913.
On the last Saturday of each month, Heritage Tairāwhiti guides a free walk around the Rivers Pathway to share historical stories of interest. These start at the Centre for Heritage. All welcome.
Proposed signage
The aim is to provide storyboards along the river telling the rich history of how the river has been used over the centuries.
Become a friend
Contact us if you would like to become a Friend of Te Ara o Taruheru. Then we can let you know about how the pathway is progressing and what you might do to help.
