Bay of Plenty Regional Council has approved the concept design stage of a major upgrade for Te Rae o Pāpāmoa / Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park.

The improvements will create a richer experience for visitors through construction of a new 86 space carpark, upgraded amenities and new provision for the sharing of cultural stories.

Chris Ingle, integrated catchments general manager commented that the Regional Park, has become increasingly popular with both locals and visitors.

'More than 106,000 people visited the park last year, representing a steady 10 per cent per annum increase in numbers over the last several years.

'We have reached the point where the current carpark is now frequently reaching capacity. Council recognised that in order to ensure that the park remains a top recreational and visitor destination, there is need to invest in both the infrastructure and delivery of a more interactive experience.

'Te Rae o Pāpāmoa / Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park is not only a popular regional recreational spot but also a place of deep cultural significance. We appreciate the opportunity to work in partnership with tangata whenua to be able to share those cultural stories,” he says.

The concept plan approved was co-designed in partnership with representatives from Waitaha, Ngā Potiki, Ngāti Pūkenga and Ngāti He, following the acquisition of an additional 25 hectares of land alongside Poplar Lane in 2017.

Papamoa Hills upgrade - new car park design concept.

The upgrade includes a proposal to create an improved entry location and signage and the provision of interpretation to help park users understand some of the cultural and historic context of the land they are visiting.

Construction is intended to start in late 2021 following the completion of a detailed design process which involves a working party of councillors and tangata whenua.