Trubridge on the Te Mata Peak track: 'give it a chance'

Havelock North designer David Trubridge has advocated that the Hawke's Bay public give the newly-carved track on Te Mata Peak's eastern slope a chance. Photo / File

Havelock North designer David Trubridge wants the Hawke's Bay public to give the newly-carved track on Te Mata Peak's eastern slope a chance before completely writing it off.

Following public outcry about the track's cultural sensitivity and aesthetics, Mr Trubridge said he supported the path and thought it would grow easier on the eyes in time.

"People say it's an eyesore [but] give it a chance. Of course it's going to stand out at the moment but as soon as it's grown over you'll hardly see it."

The renowned artist said he accepted the process had been flawed, with a lack of consultation with local iwi, but added he thought social media had negatively propelled public opinion on the matter.

"I understand the reaction from a Maori point of view, I agree that it was to be concerned about, but what happens is people are too quick on social media to jump to a conclusion.

"Somebody puts up an outraged post and, without really thinking about it, people say it sounds awful, agree with it and like it or share it. It just takes off without people thinking there may be another side to this or looking at the bigger picture."

Mr Trubridge argued the new track, while carved into the previously-bare eastern slope of Te Mata Peak, would join a number of paths already well-established on the Hawke's Bay landmark.

"There are so many tracks up there, how on earth can we get upset about one more? People who were against the track were talking about the sacred status of the mountain, that it was like open heart surgery, but it's got a road up to the top for Christ's sake.

"I think the point is it's an amenity for the community and it's long since lost the sacredness of mountains that are inaccessible. It's a place that anyone can drive up to and do whatever they like."

From a design standpoint, he didn't see anything wrong with the look of the new track.

"I can't get upset about another track. I think it's good, it opens up more walks. As long as the iwi have had proper consultation and been part of the process I think it's a good idea."

Mr Trubridge said the public should give the track a chance, with consultation and debate, before any changes were made.

"I think it would be silly to rip it out straight away. Give it time, let's think about it, let's have some debate in the community and talk to the iwi for whom this is a special place, a special maunga.

"If they [iwi] really are against it then I think we have to listen to that but we need to stop for a little bit and give it time to have a debate about it. That's the problem; there hasn't been a debate, it's just been emotional reaction."