Community Pushes for Restoration of Ōhope Beach Walkway

About 100 residents gathered in the Whakatāne District Council chambers on November 1, 2023, to advocate for the restoration of the iconic West End walkway at Ōhope Beach. This community meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of local volunteers, notably Austin Oliver and Angus Robson, who are pushing for permission to rehabilitate the walkway section that has been closed for four years due to slips.

The portion of the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway between Otarawairere Bay and West End remains inaccessible, limiting access to one of the region’s scenic spots. Oliver and Robson have been in discussions with the council for approximately a year, proposing a volunteer-led restoration plan that they believe could be achieved for around $45,000, significantly less than the $451,000 allocated by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment through its Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

Mr. Robson expressed frustration with the council’s stance, stating that health and safety concerns have been cited as reasons to prevent volunteer involvement. “What we are getting is officers of the council saying volunteers can’t do it because of health and safety,” he noted. The duo urged the council not to let liability fears hinder community-driven projects.

“The amount of support we have received from the community has blown us away,” Mr. Oliver remarked. “We wish to work with the council to resolve this issue in a safe and practical manner.” Robson emphasized the need for a shift in perspective regarding health and safety regulations, arguing that adhering to protocols would not expose the council to greater risk than if contractors performed the work.

Rangitaiki ward councillor Gavin Dennis acknowledged the importance of community partnerships in improving local infrastructure but referenced the legal implications of health and safety regulations. He highlighted a recent case involving helicopter pilot Mark Law, who faced charges from Worksafe after his rescue operation during the Whakaari eruption in 2019. “I agree with you about what it says here in the law that you can’t eliminate all risks, but it won’t stop Worksafe going after you like a rabid dog,” Dennis cautioned.

Robson, who has engaged extensively with Worksafe and health and safety lawyers in recent weeks, expressed optimism that lessons from past incidents will lead to a more nuanced approach in the future. He pointed out that the Department of Conservation successfully utilizes volunteers for track maintenance, indicating that the council could adopt similar practices.

During the meeting, Robson presented a petition signed by 500 supporters backing their restoration proposal. “This isn’t just about numbers; these were the first 500 people we approached. We’ve received almost 100 percent community support,” he stated. Many petitioners also indicated their willingness to assist with the project through financial contributions, physical labor, or expertise.

Mr. Oliver acknowledged the significance of the land to the local Māori community, specifically recognizing Ngāti Awa and Ngāti Hokopu as tangata whenua and mana whenua, respectively. Māori ward councillor Toni Boynton emphasized the area’s historical importance, noting it as the site of the ancient pa of Toi, a vital aspect of Māori civilization.

Mayor Nandor Tanczos assured attendees that the council would make a decision in early 2024 after reviewing engineering reports and other relevant documentation. “Those reports will then be released to the public,” he confirmed.

Alexandra Pickles, the council’s community experience general manager, stated that while the involvement of volunteers had not been ruled out, the complexity of the necessary landslip remediation work required adherence to stringent health and safety protocols. She added, “If volunteers wish to be considered as part of the solution, they will need to go through the standard procurement process alongside other options once the council determines its preferred reinstatement approach.”

As community members await the council’s decision, the call for a collaborative approach to restore the West End walkway continues to resonate, highlighting the potential for local engagement in enhancing the region’s natural assets.