We, the people who have signed this petition, ask Tauranga City Council to establish a Community Panel to constructively work with the Council to find ways to safely and sustainably reopen Mauao and its surroundings for use by the public following the disastrous January 2026 landslides.

The Tauranga City Council’s review into the January 2026 Mauao landslides has begun, but there is no suggestion anywhere in the review’s terms of reference that the community – the people who will be most affected by any decisions that are made – will be allowed to take part! Nor is there any suggestion that the review will be come up with any ideas about the repair, restoration and reopening of the tracks and other recreation areas; something that needs to be done if Mauao and its surroundings are to be safely enjoyed once again by the community.

The review has the look of a short-term rush job that could end up with crucial decisions being made hurriedly and without any significant community input, and some necessary decisions not being made at all. The Council’s process is not going to provide the long-term beneficial-to-all solutions that this situation calls for.

The Council must establish - immediately - a Community Panel, one made up of, say, 11 Tauranga residents who will work with the Council to find ways to safely and sustainably reopen Mauao and its surroundings for use by the public. The Panel would present the community’s views and ideas to the Council and act as the community’s representative in ongoing discussions to find solutions that will benefit everyone.

Help make this happen. Sign the petition.