Council steps up footpath repairs after community feedback
Hauraki District Council is increasing its focus on footpath repairs after hearing from the community that safer, more accessible paths are a priority.
Through the 2026/27 Annual Plan, Council has confirmed an additional $918,000 for footpath renewals, bringing the total investment to about $3 million over the next 2 years. This will help repair between 500-600 footpath faults across Paeroa, Waihī and the Plains.
The work is part of Council’s commitment to looking after the everyday things people rely on, like being able to walk to town, school, work, the bus stop or a neighbour’s place, or use a mobility scooter, without having to think twice about the path ahead.
Hauraki District Council Mayor Toby Adams says Council has heard clearly that footpaths matter to local people.
“This is about listening to our communities and putting funding where it can make a real, practical difference,” Mayor Adams says.
“We cannot fix every footpath at once, but this gives us a strong, planned way to tackle the worst areas first and keep people informed as the work rolls out.”
The repair programme will be delivered over two years. In 2026/27, Council will complete detailed planning and scoping, with some initial repair work beginning during the year. Most of the physical repair work is expected to take place in 2027/28.
The highest-priority areas will be repaired first, based on where the need is greatest and where the work will make the biggest difference for people moving around the district.
A contractor will be engaged to deliver the work in a planned and coordinated way, helping Council make the most of the funding and to reduce disruption where possible.
Council will share more detailed information about the programme, including which areas are scheduled for repair, on its website from around September.
Once the accelerated repair programme is complete, footpath maintenance funding will return to normal levels.
For updates, visit Council’s website from September or contact Hauraki District Council’s customer services team.
