An historic pa site in Taranaki is one step closer to getting permanent protection from walkers and mountain bikers.
The Hauranga pā hill is a popular spot for checking the surf. Photo: RNZ/ Robin Martin
The Ngati Tairi hapu have voiced concerns that Hauranga Pā, near Oakura, has been damaged for more than a decade - a claim supported by two archaeologist's reports.
New Plymouth District Council which manages the Weld Road Coastal Reserve on behalf on the Department of Conservation has previously said it was unable to stop people crossing the headland.
But last year, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga weighed into the debate.
The Crown agency - and regulator - said fragile archaeological remains at Hauranga Pā were being damaged by mountain bikers, walkers and joggers criss-crossing the Weld Road Coastal Reserve.
It wrote to the district council saying it wanted a management plan created to protect the pa site.
Now its strategy and operations committee has recommended that informal tracks crossing coastal reserve at the pa site be fenced off.
It also wants a design process for a formal shared pathway connecting the reserve to begin.
Councillors heard today that signage asking people not to cross the headland had not worked.
"Previously installed educational signage has not been successful at reducing use and damage. Preventing public access across the archaeological site is the most appropriate way to address damage to the site," a council officer's report said.
Hauranga Pā was a large, heavily populated Māori settlement in North Taranaki before the arrival of Europeans and the Pā played an important role in post-settlement history until after the New Zealand Wars.
The remnants of the pā were evident on the site including a large number of archaeological features in good surface condition, the report said.
"Three small living terraces, the levelled upper terrace or tihi, and 10 visible rua (food storage) are situated within the reserve. Stone sinkers or net weights have also been found.
"The archaeological expert considers it likely that further archaeological evidence, such as house structures, further in-filled pits, middens and artefacts will exist subsurface on the reserve."
The report said that council had previously erected a fence blocking the entrance to the headland, but it had been removed illegally.
It had also put up signs asking people to walk around the beach to avoid crossing the pa site, but damage from informal tracks created by the local community was increasing.
"Despite these actions there has been substantial change to the site over time and the extent of the track systems across the archaeological site have increased.
"Council officers have observed the results of unauthorised vegetation removal (including large pohutukawa branches), shifting of rocks and grass trimming to open up the track for access.
"Further intensification of damage is occurring with increased public use of the tracks and with mountain bikes using the tracks."
Councillors heard that one option for avoiding crossing the pa site could be the building of a shared pathway along the beach at the base of the headland.
Councillor Murray Chong asked if that would be robust enough to withstand the effects of climate change and coastal erosion.
A council officer said the advice to date was that it would be possible to construct a pathway at the base of the headland, but it would need significant protection from the elements.
Hapu member Mike Ure has camped on the Māori freehold land at Hauranga Pa for the past 15 years. Photo: Robin Martin
Chong also wanted clarification on the legal status of Ngati Tairi hapu member Mike Ure who has occupied the site for the past 15 years while drawing attention to the issue.
The officer said that had not been part of their brief for this meeting, but they would report back to council.
Chong said rather than spending up to $400,000 on a new path at the base of the headland, council should buy an easement across the reserve.
The committee, however, voted in favour of a recommendation calling for detailed consultation, planning and costing to begin for a shared pathway at the base of the headland.