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Manukau City Council finished pouring concrete for a new coastal walkway at Maraetai Beach yesterday, even though elderly residents tried to block the cement truck's way.
The 200m path from Maraetai Reserve to Beachlands was completed after police ushered away protesters.
Maraetai residents have voiced opposition to the pathway, claiming there had been no consultation since 2005. One, Sue Lees, said it was sad to see the path go in after strong opposition from locals.
"It's a done deal. The path will stand as a testament to a lack of community consultation."
But Manukau City Council said thorough consultation had been carried out. Manukau Parks group manager Digby Whyte said the Clevedon Community Board had been careful to listen to residents but that some might not have received feedback and might not have been aware that the path was going ahead.
The council said the path would provide a safe and non-vehicular connection between the coastal communities of Beachlands and Maraetai, the Te Puru Community Centre and the transport node at nearby Pine Harbour.
