Work to restore access to the summit of Mauao has started and is expected to take about four months, Tauranga City Council says.<\/p>\n
The mountain has been closed since January 22, when six holidaymakers were killed in a landslide into the campground at its foot after heavy rain. Several investigations into the slip continue.<\/p>\n
Mauao\u2019s walking tracks were damaged by dozens of slips in the same storm, and several facilities at its base remain closed because of slip damage or risks.<\/p>\n
A blessing was held on Monday to mark \u201can important step in the beginning of the restoration work on Mauao\u201d, a council release said.<\/p>\n
It said repair work could now start in line with agreed cultural, environmental and safety protocols.<\/p>\n
\u201cRestoring access to Motukauri (summit track network)\u202fwill enable us to work on restoring the maunga.\u201d<\/p>\n
The council said implementing a plan to access the summit was now underway and expected to take up to about four months, depending on the weather.<\/p>\n
It has previously said restoring the summit access would be easier than the base track, which had more damage.<\/p>\n
Mauao Trust chairwoman Matemoana McDonald said the blessing was an expression of tikanga M\u0101ori and acknowledged the spiritual and physical wellbeing of Mauao.<\/p>\n
The trust represents the three iwi owners of Mauao.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis blessing is about clearing the way forward in a manner that honours our t\u016bpuna and the significance of these sacred place,\u201d McDonald said.<\/p>\n