A section of the Te Haukāretu  (Māoribank) Path, located near the southern end of Norbert Street, will be permanently closed due to significant land instability and public safety risks.

This section of the path, which has been closed since September 2024, has long faced serious geotechnical challenges, including slips, erosion, and ongoing movement of the gravel slopes above and below the path.

Despite multiple repairs and frequent maintenance, its condition has continued to deteriorate. Recent inspections confirmed that the risks to users have reached a level where safe public access can no longer be maintained.

In addition to natural hazards, barriers and warning signs have been regularly vandalised or removed, increasing the danger to members of the public attempting to use the closed route.

“Safety is our priority,” says Group Manager Community Services Mike Ryan.

“Unfortunately, the land instability and steep drop-offs in this area present an unacceptable risk.

“After careful consideration and expert advice, we’ve made the difficult decision to permanently close this section of the path.”

Engineering assessments indicate that restoring or rerouting the path would require major structural interventions, such as pile-supported platforms or rock-cutting, in an area with difficult access and mixed land ownership.

Ryan says engineering assessments indicate that the cost of any safe alternative would be high and require significant work on challenging terrain, including private land. There would likely be further costs for environmental consents, landowner agreements, and long-term maintenance.

“We understand this decision will be disappointing for many who regularly use the path, but safety must be the priority,” says Ryan.

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

18/06/25