September 21, 2022
Media Release: Te Ara Mangawhero: Blazing a trail for all to enjoy
TE ARA MANGAWHERO: BLAZING A TRAIL FOR ALL TO ENJOY
NGĀTI RANGI
20 SEPTEMBER 2022
The Ngāti Rangi led development of Te Ara Mangawhero will reach a key milestone this week with the public notification of the application for consent to build the first 8.8km of the trail going live for consultation.
The 21.3km walking and cycling trail will be built on previously used tram-line routes connecting Tūroa to Ohakune. The proposed trail will traverse alpine, sub alpine and forested areas within the vicinity of the Ohakune Mountain Road.
The public notification is a pivotal moment for Ngāti Rangi iwi, the applicant, owner, concessionaire and builder of the trail. The consent will provide an opportunity to ensure that the majestic landscape surrounding Koro Ruapehu is upheld and looked after for the benefit of all, and provide opportunities for employment and economic growth for the district.
“It has been nearly a ten year journey for Ngāti Rangi to get to this point. We are so pleased to be able to center the tupuna narrative in this build, to share the stories that will make this trail so unique” said Ngāti Rangi Pou Ārahi Helen Leahy.
“Te Ara Mangawhero is designed with family first in mind. The trail will gently meander down Koro and will allow for all generations and abilities to travel in both directions, for walker and cyclist.” said Ruapehu WorX Manager Paul Carr.
“It is an opportunity for our community together to build and take ownership of connecting people to our place. To immerse them in the ngahere (forest), in the stories of Ngāti Rangi and for them to understand their relationship and responsibility to the protection of our environment.
The trail is dual use, for walkers and cyclists and provides the opportunity for the reclamation of ourselves within our unique section of the Tongariro National Park, dual world heritage area” said Ngāti Rangi Chair Whetu Moataane.
“The impact of climate change has proven that we can not solely rely on the ski-field when considering the economic growth of our region. Te Ara Mangawhero, in partnership with local organisations and regional tourism operators, provides us an opportunity to create something truly special and unique that belongs to us all, said Mr Moataane.