Motor vehicle-free summit on Maungawhau / Mt Eden

The tihi (summit) of Maungawhau / Mt Eden will be free from motor vehicles as a result of last night’s meeting of the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority.

Last December the Maunga Authority agreed in principle to the move and last night progressed to a clear direction that the tihi (summit) will be motor vehicle-free, subject to confirmation of the costs associated with the various arrangements including access for those with limited mobility.

Maunga Authority Chair Paul Majurey explains that the important decision for this ancestral mountain reflects the serious consideration given to the initiative.

“There was unanimous agreement at the Maunga Authority hui last night that a motor vehicle-free summit is the right outcome for the iconic taonga of Maungawhau / Mt Eden.”

Council staff have worked closely with various disability organisations in addressing the matter of tihi access for people with limited mobility and identified practical measures such as the installation of electric gates with an access code, or similar outcomes. The access code could be distributed to people with limited mobility via the Auckland Council call centre.

Mr Majurey explains that in making their decision the Maunga Authority placed emphasis on the spiritual and cultural significance of the tihi to Mana Whenua and the community aspirations reflected in the long-standing public programme that led to the 2007 Maungawhau / Mt Eden Management Plan.

The plan identified that unrestricted access raised concerns over pedestrian safety, congestion and damage to the maunga. In response to these concerns, heavy vehicles were restricted from accessing the tihi in 2011.

“Motor vehicle removal from the tihi of Maungawhau was signalled many years ago as a necessary outcome to protect this taonga, and to reflect the Mana Whenua and community aspirations of their living connections with this taonga,” says Mr Majurey.

“The removal of heavy vehicles from the summit has been successful, resulting in significantly less congestion and also a change of attitudes in visitors. The community has embraced the much safer walk to the top of the maunga, and are excited about the enhanced experience with this ancestral place overlooking Tāmaki Makaurau.”

A motor-vehicle-free tihi on Maungawhau / Mt Eden is expected to be implemented in the coming months.

ENDS

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