This weekend, locals will get a chance to chat with Mahurangi Coastal Trail Trust trustees and Auckland Council Parks Leadership team about plans for both the Te Muri Crossing and Mahurangi Coastal Trail Project which will affect Mahurangi and Te Muri Regional Parks.

On Saturday, July 3rd, at the Mahurangi West Hall, Craig Davis, of Davis Coastal Consultants, will give an illustrated presentation on the challenges of designing and building a footbridge for the Te Muri Stream which meets aesthetic, engineering, environmental and regulatory standards. Craig will also outline progress to date and future steps.

Craig will also explain the costs of not just the civil engineering design involved, but that of the cultural, ecological, and landscape-and-visual impact assessments required to demonstrate that the Te Muri crossing will meet or surpass Resource Management Act and Auckland Unitary Plan requirements. 

After the presentation trustees and parks staff will be available to talk about the crossing and the Mahurangi Coastal Trail Project.

During the 1970s, the then Auckland Regional Council bought the original 33-hectare Te Muri beach land as part of Mahurangi Regional Park. The Council then bought the remaining 382ha farm in 2010. Initial development plans for the park followed the usual option of providing vehicle access to the beach. 

However, independent commissioners agreed with a strong community push for Te Muri to remain relatively undeveloped and retain its "splendid isolation".

So instead, a boardwalk is planned for pedestrian and cyclist access to the beautiful Te Muri beach. If you have any questions or concerns about the project, be sure to drop in to the Mahurangi West hall on Saturday, anytime from 11:00 a.m.