12 March 2026
Gisborne District Council has taken a major step toward delivering Te Ara o Taruheru – the Taruheru River Pathway – by confirming the route and delivery strategy and endorsing a search for external partner funding.
The Taruheru River Pathway will link neighbourhoods along the awa (river) with safe, accessible walking, cycling and wheeling connections for all ages and abilities.
With almost half of Gisborne’s population living within a five-minute bike ride of the river, this key active transport connection (as highlighted in Council’s Active Travel Strategy 2024) will support recreation, healthier lifestyles, lower transport costs and stronger connections between communities.
Michele Frey, Council’s Director of Liveable Communities, says the decision marks a major milestone in delivering a long-standing community aspiration.
“People have talked about the Taruheru River Pathway for decades. It’s been part of Council’s long‑term plans since 2009. This decision confirms the route and how it will be delivered, so we can secure partner funding and turn community expectation into reality,” says Ms Frey.
Council is working in partnership with the Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust (Tairāwhiti Trails) to progress a pathway that’s accessible to everyone.
Tairāwhiti Trails Chair Lyall Evans is thrilled with the decision, which clears the way for potential funders to be approached.
“This has been a long time coming. It’s been a huge effort from our steering group (which includes mana whenua, Council staff and fellow trustees) as we researched and created a viable business case. It will be a trail for the community, built for all users to safely go about their daily journeys, including going to work, school, visiting friends and recreation. It will connect communities, safely.”
“Our Trust also envisages storyboards along the pathway that reflect the significant history of the river. The pathway won’t just move people, it will honour the river, celebrate our identity, and enhance the wellbeing of our region,” says Mr Evans.
Council and Tairāwhiti Trails developed the business case to confirm the preferred pathway route and to test the project's benefits, supporting the search for partner funding.
The business case found a $13.50 return for every $1 invested and highlighted strong demand and significant community-wide benefits, including:
- Safer travel for walkers, cyclists and wheelers
- Improved health and wellbeing
- Fewer cars on the road and reduced emissions
- Affordable transport options
- Strong connections between neighbourhoods
- Links to existing routes and infrastructure
A counter on the existing section of the Taruheru pathway records the number of times its users pass by. With almost 500 daily passes, it is projected that, once the new sections are completed, 1,000 daily passes are likely.
Ms Frey explained the Taruheru River Pathway is an investment in our people and our future.
“Council’s endorsement of a flexible, staged delivery enables parts of the pathway to begin construction around summertime 2026/27 and then continue to grow as funding is secured, so the community sees the benefits sooner.”
ENDS
For further information visit Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails - Taruheru River Trail (Te Ara o Taruheru) – Connecting Gisborne