A safer walking and biking connection between Waihī Beach and Athenree is a step closer, with plans for the Ahi Pātiki Pathway moving into the resource consent phase.
At this week’s Projects and Monitoring Committee meeting, Councillors gave the green light to prepare and lodge a resource consent application with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, anticipated for July 2025.
Community feedback gathered in April and May showed strong support for the proposed pathway, with 70 percent of the 277 submissions backing the concept plan and others providing suggestions for improvement.
The proposed Ahi Pātiki Pathway is a 3m wide, 355m-long shared pathway across the Waiau Estuary, connecting Athenree and Waihī Beach. Once finished, it will offer a safer, more connected route for walking and cycling, and new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, fishing, birdwatching, kayaking, or simply soaking in the beauty of the estuary environment.
Council’s Acting General Manager Infrastructure Services, Peter Watson says it’s been really encouraging to see how many people are excited about what this pathway can bring to the area.
“Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts on the concept plan. We’re grateful for the support and thoughtful feedback, especially around safety features and ecological protection.”
That feedback, particularly around boardwalk balustrades, material choices, pōhutukawa tree preservation, environmental impacts, and specialist environmental assessments, will feed into the resource consent application. Consent conditions resulting from a successful application will also inform the detailed design stage.
“The majority of feedback was positive, highlighting the benefits the project would bring to community connectivity, safety, recreational opportunities and cultural significance,” says Peter.
“With both the community and committee’s support to move forward, we’re continuing to progress the project with confidence.”
Projects and Monitoring Committee Chair, Councillor Don Thwaites, says this has been a long-standing community aspiration, and the committee is pleased to see it progressing with strong public backing.
“We know how important it is to create safe and accessible connections that also respect the environment. The committee is supportive of continuing the work needed to bring this pathway closer to reality,” explains Don.
While construction funding is not yet secured, progressing to resource consent will enable Council to confirm costs and develop a funding strategy.
“This is a community collaboration project. We’ll be looking to secure external funding and will be encouraging local support for future fundraising efforts,” says Peter.
The name Ahi Pātiki has been gifted to the pathway by mana whenua, Te Whanau a Tauwhao, and reflects the historical and spiritual connection of the area to the pātiki (flounder). This links back to Ngāi Te Rangi rangatira (chief) Hōri Tūpaea, who named the area after his favourite kai (food).
As well as providing a stunning walking and cycle route, the Ahi Pātiki Pathway is also seen as a potential emergency evacuation route for the community. It’s been a priority in planning documents - including the Waihī Beach Community Plan and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Land Transport Plan – for many years. The pathway is also a section of the Tauranga Moana Coastal Cycle Trail described in the Walking and Cycling Action Plan.
For more information, check out the project page at yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/ahi-patiki-pathway.
