March 14, 2026

#regional: Major Milestone Reached for Taruheru River Pathway Project

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 14, 2026

A significant milestone has been reached in the development of the Taruheru River Pathway in Gisborne, with local leaders confirming progress that moves the long-planned project closer to reality.

The pathway, known as Te Ara o Taruheru, is designed to create a continuous shared route for walking, cycling and other forms of active transport along the banks of the Taruheru River. The project aims to connect neighbourhoods across the city while providing a safe and accessible corridor for people travelling between schools, parks and community facilities.

The latest milestone involves endorsement to move forward with a staged development approach for the project. This means work can now begin on refining the route and planning how the pathway will be delivered in phases, allowing progress to continue while further funding and design work is confirmed.

The Taruheru River runs through the centre of Gisborne before joining with the Waimata River to form the Tūranganui River, making it a key natural feature of the city. The proposed pathway follows this corridor and is intended to improve both recreation and everyday transport options for residents.

Community leaders say the pathway has the potential to reshape how people move around Gisborne by encouraging more walking and cycling while reducing reliance on vehicles. Much of the city’s population lives within a short distance of the river, making the route a strategic location for an active transport network.

The project has been discussed for decades and has appeared in various council planning documents over the years. More recent work has focused on refining the business case, strengthening partnerships with community organisations and ensuring the pathway reflects cultural, environmental and recreational values tied to the awa.

When completed, the Taruheru River Pathway is expected to link existing walking and cycling routes across Gisborne, creating a continuous network that supports healthier lifestyles, tourism and stronger connections between communities along the river.

Supporters of the project say the milestone signals renewed momentum for a development that could become one of the city’s most important urban green corridors, combining transport, recreation and environmental restoration along the Taruheru River.