Plans for a comprehensive trail plan in Mahurangi have been expanded to include the area from Puhoi to Pakiri and consultation is set to begin in January.
The Rodney Local Board is producing a Greenways (cycleways, walkways and bridleways) plan for the area early next year. Initially it was going to focus on Warkworth, Omaha, Matakana and Mahurangi East, but Auckland Council staff have recommended expanding the focus due to the large amount of work already completed by trail groups in the region.
About 50 people turned out to a mapping workshop at The Bridgehouse in Warkworth on November 23, where people were encouraged to mark existing and proposed trails on maps to inform the first stage of the plan.
Council staff will investigate proposed routes and release a draft plan which will go out to consultation from January 27 to February 28.
Consultation will include meeting with community groups, schools, holding information stands in towns and online submissions.
It will then produce a final plan based on community feedback, which will include a list of prioritised trails.
The plan can then be incorporated into future developments and used to prioritise funding for trails.
At the workshop, Council parks north manager Don Lawson said Mahurangi had some of the most active trail groups in Auckland.
“The amount of people here is fantastic and it makes the job so much easier,” Mr Lawson said.
Mr Lawson expected the plan to be adopted in May next year.
The project will go to the Local Board for approval this month.
