Numerous benefits come with being active on local pathways including physical and brain health; mental wellbeing; education; reducing vehicular traffic congestion and CO₂ emissions; enjoying the simplicity, resilience and lower impact of travel; making connections and relationships; having fun; and being aware of sensory experiences.
Dr Ben Singh, leading author of one study on sedentary lifestyles says activity is 1.5 times more effective at reducing symptoms of depression, psychological stress and anxiety than medication or cognitive behaviour therapy.
Mātauranga Māori reminds us how tangata whenua used to travel within their rohe, using pathways, rivers, and coastlines.
Heritage interpretation signage or storyboards on pathways will present opportunities for elders to pass on this knowledge, and for the community to be enriched by learning local ancestral and more contemporary heritage. Ka mua, Ka muri - we can learn from the past as we work towards an equitable future.
Riparian planting of native species along the Taruheru River pathway will help enhance the mauri of the awa and contribute to a region-wide goal of recloaking Papatūānuku with a native forest kākahu (cloak).
