Removal of remaining Te Mata Peak track to cost $200,000

9:58 am on 8 December 2018

Hastings District Council wants to remove the remainder of Te Mata Peak track and restore the hillside to its original state.

The controversial walking track up the Eastern side of Te Mata Peak.

The controversial walking track up the Eastern side of Te Mata Peak. Photo: RNZ / Anusha Bradley

The walking track on the eastern side of Te Mata Peak in Hastings is to be completely removed at the cost of another $200,000.

The track, which was built by Craggy Range Winery late last year, outraged iwi and environmentalists, and sparked threats of legal action.

Ngāti Kahungunu has described the zig-zag pathway as a "scar" on the culturally significant site.

Hastings District Council removed 500m of track last month because of the risk to the public.

It is now seeking a resource consent to get rid of the remaining section, which will return the land to as close to its original state as possible.

This will bring the total removal cost to $650,000.

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