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Tauranga City Council and the Mauao Trust say they remain committed to restoring public access to Mauao, but there is still no confirmed reopening date following severe weather damage and the Mauao landslide.
The maunga remains closed while recovery work continues, with reopening to be staged and guided by specialist geotechnical advice through Ngā Poutiriāo ō Mauao, the partnership between the trust and council.
Safety-first approach
Mauao Trust chairwoman Matemoana McDonald says a cautious and collective approach is needed.
“Mauao is a taonga of immense spiritual, cultural and historical importance to Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga and Ngāti Ranginui,” Matemoana says.
“Our responsibility is to uphold the mana of the maunga. We are pleased to be working alongside Tauranga City Council to ensure that any decisions around reopening are made carefully, respectfully, and with the long-term wellbeing of Mauao and the safety of the community at the forefront.”
The recovery phase is focused on public safety, risk assessment, repair planning and long-term resilience.
Council says decisions can only be made once remediation options are fully designed, risk-to-life thresholds are met, and there is confidence access can be managed safely across a range of weather conditions.
42 landslides identified
Tauranga mayor Mahé Drysdale says restoring access remains a priority, but current conditions are unsafe.
“Mauao is a treasured taonga of our city, and we know how deeply people want to be back on the maunga,” Mahé says.
“However, the current conditions mean it is simply not safe. Any decisions about reopening must be grounded in evidence and made carefully, in partnership with the Mauao Trust. Public safety is non-negotiable.”
The maunga is currently classed as a high-hazard environment, with 42 identified landslides, including 12 considered severe. Council says ongoing instability and the risk of further movement during heavy rain mean access cannot yet be restored.
Base Track most complex challenge
The Base Track remains the most difficult area to repair, with 29 landslides, extensive treefall and debris, and sections within active runout zones.
Council says reinstatement will require engineered, staged solutions rather than a simple clean-up, meaning the Base Track cannot reopen early in the recovery process.
Summit access is expected to be easier to restore than the Base Track, but no reopening date has been set for any part of Mauao.
Businesses feeling pressure
Council acknowledged pressure on Mount Maunganui businesses, with many reporting reduced trading.
“While we continue to work with those businesses, we understand that certainty and reopening Mauao is the best possible support we can provide them, as well as the wider community, so that is our priority,” Mahé says.
Council is encouraging people to continue visiting Mount Maunganui and supporting local businesses while recovery work continues.
