Legal action threatened over Craggy Range-funded track

An environmental advocacy group in New Zealand is threatening to take legal action over an “unlawful” NZ$300,000 walking track carved on Te Mata Peak, funded and developed by local winery Craggy Range.

A zig-zag track funded and developed by Craggy Range on Te Mata Peak has sparked public criticism from both environmental group and local aboriginal iwi.

The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has urged the winery to reconsider the development and restore the landmark’s natural look, claiming that the local Hastings District Council’s consent for the walking track without public notification was “unlawful”, reported New Zealand Herald.

“Why it’s unlawful is because Te Mata Peak is an iconic feature in the district and in the region, it’s supposed to be protected by section 6B of the [Resource Management Act 1991], and by the district plan provisions,” commented the group’s chief executive Gary Taylor. 

The 2.4km track is carved on and owned by the winery, however, the environmentalist argued that because of its high public interest, and important cultural significance to the local Māori ‘iwi’*, it should outweigh private ownership, he said.

The local Māori are reportedly outraged by the zig-zag track on the historic landmark, which holds ancestral and historical importance to them. The trust chairman of the Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi, Ngahiwi Tomoana, told Radio New Zealand, “It was like a stab in the heart really, what the hell, I mean I couldn’t believe it … unbelievable.”

Te Mata Peak is also known as Te Mata o Rongokako to the Māori. Tomoana has since made contact with the winery’s spokesperson who expressed their sincere apologies.

The winery’s chief executive, Michael Wilding, said he was disappointed to hear the grievances and never intended to offend anyone. He added that the Hastings Distinct Council did not inform the winery that they should consult with the local Māori, according to the report.

Following public criticism, the council has said it would revisit the track decision, with the council looking at a way of re-considering how it balances “reasonable” private land use with the way it protects the natural landscape, wrote New Zealand Herald.

Te Mata Peak, which stands 399 metres above the Heretaunga Plains, is one of the most visited places in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.

*The largest social unit in Māori culture.