PROJECT COMPLETED OCTOBER 2025
As early as 2008, the Moutere Hills Residents Association workshopped ideas for a footpath to link the village to the community centre and sports ground.
The concept then made it to our list of district-wide footpath projects, but construction couldn’t go ahead until negotiations with landowners were complete and sufficient funding was available.
In October last year, Elected Members met to consider whether we could afford to provide added funding in 2024/2025 for the path, but it was decided this wasn’t possible due to the need to limit increases in rates and debt.
The issue was reconsidered, and the green light was given to bring forward $188,951 of existing budgets from 2025/2026 to 2024/2025 to enable the Upper Moutere shared path to be constructed this year.
The 1300-metre shared concrete and gravel pathway now runs alongside the Moutere Highway, linking the village with the Moutere Hills Community Centre and sports grounds.
More than 60 people took the opportunity to walk and cycle along the new shared path following its official opening and ribbon cutting by Mayor Tim King earlier this month.
This new safe shared walking and cycle path now provides a new travel choice for the community.
We're restarting work on a 1.3 km gravel/concrete shared pathway along the Moutere Highway, connecting the Upper Moutere shops to the Community Hall. This project, initiated by the Moutere Hills Residents Association mhra.org.nz, will provide a safe route for school children and a great option for visitors exploring the area by bike or foot. Thanks to local residents, Upper Moutere School, and the Moutere Hills Community Centre for their support.
Update October 2025
Project has progressed extremely well and due to finish works first week of November 2025. Most of the pathway is complete except for the main village section, once the concrete path is laid, the path will be opened for use.
Update June 2025
Project is well underway and estimated 30% completion. Project has been delayed due to wet ground conditions and weather disruptions. Estimated due to be completed now in September 2025.
· Stage 1 – 1475 Upper Moutere Road to fire station, Start: Thursday, 19 June 2025
· Stage 2 – Fire Station to the upper Moutere Dairy, Start: Friday, 18 July 2025
· Stage 3 – 11 Keeling Road to Community Hall, Start: Thursday, 4 September 2025
View the map below or or open it in a new tab for larger version.
Update December 2024
Project on Hold: The Upper Moutere shared path has faced multiple delays since it was first proposed by the Moutere Hills Residents Association in 2008. The project stalled in 2021 due to unresolved landowner negotiations but was revived earlier this year. However, funding challenges arose when NZTA Waka Kotahi declined government funding for the project in September 2024, leaving Council to reconsider its options. On 24 October 2024, elected members decided against providing additional funding for 2024/25 to avoid rate and debt increases. The path is now set for completion in 2025/26, funded entirely by the Council over two years.
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Current Status: |
Delivery |
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Start Date: |
March 2025 |
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End Date: |
Sept 2025 |
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Access: |
The road will remain open and access will aways be given to affected residents. |
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Contractor/s: |
Wenham Contracting |
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Cost: |
$400,000 |
Contact: Email [email protected] reference 1557.
Map
Below is a map of the route of the pathway.
Upper Moutere Shared Pathway Route
View the full PDF version:
