A new track on Mahia’s Mokotahi Hill was opened last week in a celebration hosted by the QEII National Trust.

“This has been a highly anticipated project and we are excited to see the upgraded track and share this moment with covenantors and Mahia locals alike,” said trust chairman James Guild.

“QEII National Trust set out to improve the access to Mokotahi Hill so that more people could enjoy this iconic Kiwi site and what it has to offer.”

The hill is a landmark headland with scenic, archaeological and historical values.

The Ormond family gifted it to the trust to ensure its long-term protection.

This was a special event for QEII to join Mahia locals in celebration of the new track, said QEII trust Gisborne regional area representative Malcolm Rutherford.

“We were also lucky to hear from archaeologist Kevin Jones about the unique middens and terrace on the hill.

“Mokotahi Hill is a significant site to Ngati Rongomaiwahine and Ngati Kahungungu, with a long and interesting history of occupation of the site.

“Various pits and terraces can be seen on the hill that show this.

“This event has been a great opportunity to share some of the historical and archaeological values of this site we’ve discovered in the process of putting in the track,” said Mr Rutherford.

“It’s also been a great day for us all to enjoy the new track and bask in the panoramic views of the coastline and Mahia Beach.”

Mr Guild said upgrading the Mokotahi Hill track was “an investment to ensure that this iconic New Zealand landscape can be enjoyed by generations to come”.

“The upgrade was a collaborative effort between QEII National Trust, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Wairoa District Council.

“Maintenance will continue to be a collaborative effort between us and the two councils to ensure it continues to thrive”.