Ahi Pātiki Pathway

Welcome to the Ahi Pātiki Pathway project page. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the project, including its history, concept plan and images, FAQs, and a timeline of next steps. Check out the information on the right-hand side of this page for all this and more.

A big thanks to all those who shared their feedback on the concept plan during community consultation (9 April to 7 May 2025). With your feedback onboard, our next step is to apply for a resource consent through Bay of Plenty Regional Council. We'll be back in touch with you after this process has been completed to let you know what's next. To keep up to date with the latest project updates, click on the 'Stay Informed' button on the right-hand-side of the page. Alternatively, if you have more questions or comments about this project, please email info@westernbay.govt.nz or phone Council on 0800 926 732.

Information shared during public consultation (9 April to 7 May 2025):

We’re excited to present the draft concept plan for the proposed shared pathway connecting Waihī Beach and Athenree—and we’d love to hear your thoughts! See survey at bottom of this page (note - consultation has been extended, now closing at 5pm, Wednesday 7 May.

The draft plan includes a 3m-wide, 355m-long boardwalk across the Waiau Estuary from Waihī Beach (near Island View), up the inlet through to Dr North Memorial Reserve and Pohutukawa Drive in Athenree.

This shared pathway will be a valuable asset for the Waihī Beach, Athenree, and Bowentown communities – offering a safer, more connected route for walking and cycling, and new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, fishing, birdwatching, kayaking, or simply soaking in the beauty of the estuary environment.

The significance of Ahi Pātiki

The name Ahi Pātiki has been gifted to the pathway by mana whenua – Te Whanau a Tauwhao, and reflects the historical and spiritual connection of the area to the pātiki (flounder). This links back to Ngāi Te Rangi rangatira (chief) Hōri Tūpaea, who named the area after his favourite kai (food).

Reon Tuanau of Ōtāwhiwhi Marae explains the significance of the name in the video above.

Background of the project

In 2021 we asked the community for their thoughts on the idea and the approximate route, and the feedback was overwhelmingly supportive.

As well as providing a stunning walking and cycle route, the Ahi Pātiki Pathway is also seen as a potential emergency evacuation route for the community. It’s been a priority in planning documents - including the Waihī Beach Community Plan and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Land Transport Plan – for many years. The pathway is also a section of the Walking and Cycling Action Plan long term Tauranga Moana Coastal Cycleway Project.

Funding

This is a community collaboration project, and while the construction is not yet funded, we hope to secure the necessary funding from external sources, providing there is enough community support.

We hope that the community will get right behind these fundraising efforts.

Next steps

After gathering feedback, we’ll review the draft design and make any necessary changes before submitting it to Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) for resource consent.

The resource consent application will be widely advertised by BOPRC and feedback sought, to determine whether a public hearing is needed before a decision is made. This part of the process could take several months to conclude.

If the application is successful, then the project can proceed when there is funding to build it.

What do you think of the draft concept plan?

We're keen to hear your thoughts on the draft concept plan!