WHAKARONGO 🔊 | New Zealand walking trail inspired by Camino de Santiago

11:07 am on 8 January 2025 | Radio New Zealand

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Full article - https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/538450/new-zealand-walking-trail-inspired-by-camino-de-santiago

Submissions have opened for a 500-kilometre walking trail that would stretch along the East Coast from Gisborne to Ōpōtiki.

The application for resource consents has been lodged with Gisborne District Council by the charitable trust, Te Ara Tipuna.

The move is inspired by the internationally renowned Camino de Santiago walkway in Spain, and it would complement the ecological and cultural sites of significance that exist within the rohe, project lead and trustee Hekia Parata said.

Despite the impact and damages from Cyclone Gabrielle in Gisborne, she is confident they can overcome the challenges and ensured that the project is entirely realistic.

"It is intended to be a mainly wayfaring trail so when we talk about building, we would be developing it in conjunction with all Whenua Māori land block owners that the trial proposes to traverse", she told Morning Report.

"It will provide an option in bad weather and emergency situations where our constantly unreliable State Highway 35 breaks down.

"We intend that in the areas where communities are particularly vulnerable in significant weather events, that the trail is developed to emergency vehicle standards, and so that will give options for people to either leave or to get access during those times."

Parata also is hopeful the project will contribute to the restoration of indigenous biodiversity, and help create economic, social and recreational artery that will simulate little businesses to start.

She wants the project to see the return of local uri so they can connect with the whenua of their ancestors.