A new boardwalk giving people access to Papamoa beach opened today in an effort to reduce lewd behaviour and maintain a clean, green area.

About 30 Tauranga residents witnessed the opening of the 200metre boardwalk constructed on a culturally sensitive historical site from Maranui Street to Papamoa Beach.

A local kaumatua blesses the boardwalk. Photos By Tracy Hardy.

About 30 Tauranga residents walk the boardwalk from Maranui St to Papamoa Beach.

The land is owned by Papamoa Blocks 2B, a Nga Potiki trust, a partnership between Retirement Assets Limited and Mangatawa Papamoa Blocks Incorporated. The development is being funded at a cost of about $150,000 by Pacific Coast Village.

Colin Reeder of Nga Potiki says the boardwalk will help address three issues, which have long confronted the Papamoa trustees.

'The walkway will manage the flow of people from Maranui Road, deter disgusting behaviour as well as the illegal dumping of rubbish.”

Traditionally known as Waitahanui – Colin says the site was used for burials, with the last recorded burial in 1912.

According to Colin, Waitahanui is the last piece of coastal land in Nga Potiki ownership and was part of the original Papamoa Block.

He says the decision to allow for the construction of a raised walkway was not made lightly.

'The trustees had to be convinced that the integrity of the urupa would not be compromised.

'An archaeologist surveyed the area prior to earthworks and traditional rituals were observed.”

Colin says the pou, which has been erected to watch over the sacred land, represents Werohia - the last fighting chief from Opotiki.

'He went to war young when the Te Tumu Pa in Kaituna was under attack in 1836,” says Colin.

'He didn't come home. It was a musket battle.”

Among those attending the event were village residents Don and Bev Allan.

'It's a very symbolic event,” says Don.

'It's a joint venture between a partnership between Retirement Assets Limited and Mangatawa Papamoa Blocks [Incorporated] so we have a very strong connection.

'It's a wonderful asset not only to the village but to the community as well.”

Don and his wife are two of the first residents to live in the village and Don says, until now, access to the beach has been difficult.

'We have a lot of our village residents who are beach walkers,” says Don.

'The access to the beach has been very rough. Now we can access it quite regularly.”

It is intended a major planting and beautification program will be implemented to enhance the block so 'it can be appreciated by all”. It is open to the public.

Colin Reeder of Nga Potiki (pictured far right) with other residents including Ebba Te Tua (pictured far left) on the boardwalk.

Tauranga residents attend the opening ceremony of the boardwalk.