Te Ara Tipuna Charitable Trust has lodged an application for multiple resource consents to design and construct Stage 1 of the Te Ara Tipuna Trail.

Resource consents are required from Gisborne District Council, Ōpōtiki District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

The trail is proposed to be located across private land including multiple owner land blocks, along road and reserve corridors and the coastal margin.

The Trust has worked on aligning the trail to provide a continuous connection around the coast. The alignment's been determined by the topography, land use, landowner engagement, access and proximity to infrastructure such as roadways, bridges and services such as accommodation and toilets.

It's best to check the interactive map for the proposed trail alignment and property information.

How do I have a say on the application?

To have your say and be involved with the consent process, you need to make a submission.

Anyone can make a written submission on the application. A submission can address any matter relevant to the application and you can support and/or oppose or indicate a neutral position.

For information on making a submission including the form

Submissions must be received no later than 5pm Friday 7 February 2025

A note about the consent decision

If consent is granted, the Trust will need to negotiate with each directly affected landowner or trustee to secure legal agreement for the trail over any private or multiply owned land.

Any resource consent decision that may be granted does not provide any access rights or authorise the formation or use the trail without the full legal approval and authorisation of the landowner/trustees.

The application has been lodged with Gisborne District Council, Ōpōtiki District Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and will be processed through a joint submission and hearing process. An independent commissioner panel will hear make a decision on the application.