Show accessed closed tunnel

Omanawa Falls

Tauranga City Council has been criticised for sending mixed messages by allowing the picturesque Omanawa Falls to be featured on The Bachelor NZ while it discouraged public access.

The Bachelor used the tunnel to the underground powerhouse to access the falls, an approach blocked to hundreds of people every summer who instead make their way around dangerous bush paths.

Arthur Green visited the Omanawa Falls to film The Bachelor NZ.

Omanawa Falls were featured in an episode of the reality show after filming took place in February when Bachelor Art Green invited Bachelorette Kristie Leonard to the falls. City councillor John Robson highlighted the contradiction of the falls being celebrated while on the other hand the council had put up a warning sign and fences to try to stop people. "Someone ought to join some dots here," he told yesterday's meeting.

Filming at the falls happened after a 38-year-old man and his 12-year-old son were badly injured falling down a hillside while trying to climb out of the falls. It sparked the third rescue mission to the falls in less than two years by the TrustPower TECT Rescue Helicopter.

Councillor Steve Morris took issue with how the council had tried to close the falls but then showcased it. "People think this is a hell of a nice place to go." He asked where the money was in the 10-year Plan to open the tunnel to the public to access the falls in safety. The council was told that health and safety had been paramount during filming.

Other news from the meeting:

* The council has decided to take a more proactive role in the Hairy Maclary waterfront sculpture project. Money budgeted for the waterfront would be allocated to the installation to ensure the project was delivered by July 31.

* Downer Construction has agreed to sponsor Tauranga's stream and estuary clean-up programme for the next three years at $10,000 a year.

* A new untreated wood waste facility has been established at Te Maunga. The council is working in partnership with industry to turn untreated wood into playground cushioning, animal bedding and decorative garden mulch.

* Alleged breaches of City Plan rules controlling home-based businesses, building encroachments and non-compliant signs are being investigated.

* Oral histories have been recorded of the work of Customs officials at the Port of Tauranga, with copies available from the Tauranga Heritage Collection.

* Work has started with the Western Bay District Council on a new joint waste management and minimisation plan.