A popular Somerville walking route poses as safety hazard for community

The popular Mangemangeroa walkway for East Aucklanders has been hit by storms and cyclones, creating safety issues of eroding stairs, fallen trees, dispersed pipelines and uneven surfaces.

Local resident Paul Glass noticed the number of pedestrians has stayed the same even after the path became significantly dangerous.

“Walkers are still coming through in waves, especially over public holidays.”

“A lot of people don’t realise the severity of damage as there aren’t many visible warning signs and the locals are just used to it I guess.”

“There’s no doubt attention and care need to be placed on these walkways to prevent future harm,” said Mr Glass.

Locals that have not walked Mangemangeroa since the landslides are demanding the pathways to be secured and fixed.

Lis Haraqia, pedestrian on the Mangemangeroa track was unaware of damages and is frustrated by the lack of warning from Auckland Council of its condition.

“From previously walking along the pathway to seeing the condition it is in now, I am shocked at the lack of safety precautions.”

“I definitely wouldn’t recommend my family or friends to walk along it until there is a resolution,” said Mr Haraqia.

Jean Pierre, a Somerville resident says locals have become accustomed to the damages of the track.

“18 months or so worth of waiting makes locals like me used to the damages.”

“We know the condition of the track and although it’s not as safe as it used to be, after 7 years of walking the pathway daily, straying away from it isn’t an option,” said Mr Pierre.

There are plans for the pathways to be fixed however, proper signage and warning is an essential for locals’ safety.