Mauao is 'an icon, our sacred maunga” where people go to feel 'spiritually connected and free”, according to survey responses received so far by Tauranga City Council.

The Mauao survey opened online on Wednesday, February 10.

Mauao is a place where people go to feel spiritually connected and free, according to a Tauranga City Council survey.

It asks what people love about Mauao, what they think needs protecting, and how they think the mountain needs to be best managed for current use and future generations.

The responses consistently point to connection with nature as the thing people love most about Mauao.

Survey comments received include phrases like 'soul food”, 'raw beauty in an urban setting”, 'the spiritual peace of Mauao” and 'I love the Mount so much that I actually have it tattooed on my back.”

Other things that people say they love about Mauao are the quality of the walking tracks, spectacular views, and the mountain's Maori heritage and cultural history.

There are requests for information panels and signs to help inform and celebrate the cultural history of Mauao.

While some people love Mauao as being 'the best outdoor gym on the planet”, others are concerned about the cumulative impact of events on the mountain and the effects of increasing numbers of people using the tracks.

The most commonly raised issue is that the natural features of Mauao need protection. There is a consistent call for stricter enforcement around litter, dogs and smoking. Frequently mentioned concerns include erosion, pedestrian traffic, and pest control – particularly rabbits.

Many respondents express a desire that free access to Mauao is maintained.

The survey will help inform a draft reserve management plan that is being developed by Nga Poutiriao O Mauao, the joint administration board that manages the reserve.

Dean Flavell, chair of the joint board, says Mauao is core to the cultural identity of Tauranga Moana.

'It is what makes us unique nationally and throughout the South Pacific. The positive comments from the survey to date express the need to protect and preserve this icon.

'Ko Mauao te maunga e tu ake nei: ‘Mauao, the mountain that will stand here forever'. We hope to capture this in the new management plan,” says Dean.

Tauranga City Council strategic planner Melony Atkins says feedback from the public and stakeholders confirms the mountain is well managed.

'With only a few exceptions, the survey responses are overwhelmingly in favour of keeping Mauao as natural and unchanged as possible.

'The management plan review will seek to make sure that things we are already doing are still the best way forward, as well as looking ahead to see if there is anything that should be done differently,” says Melony.

Most people have spent about four minutes answering the survey. The shortest amount of time spent so far is under a minute, and the longest is 35 minutes. The survey closes April 6.

Find the survey online at www.tauranga.govt.nz/mauao