Gisborne council votes to close Titirangi Maunga roads to vehicles overnight
Friday 2 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Gisborne District Council
Gisborne District councillors have voted to implement overnight road closures at Titirangi Maunga. The proposal, put forward by Ngāti Oneone, aims to address concerns regarding illegal dumping, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour. Only pedestrians and cyclists will be permitted access to the site during these hours.
Key facts
5 facts
- Roads to be closed: Titirangi Drive and Queens Drive
- Closure hours: 10pm to 6am year-round
- Estimated gate installation cost: $6,000 to $10,000
- Proposing group: Ngāti Oneone
- Support for closure: 74.5% of 187 preferred submissions
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Gisborne District councillors have voted to implement an overnight road closure on Titirangi Maunga. Gates will restrict vehicle access to Titirangi Drive and Queens Drive from 10pm to 6am throughout the year. Emergency services will receive keys to ensure they can access the area during these hours.
The proposal was originally put forward by local hapū Ngāti Oneone in June to address issues including illegal dumping, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour. While vehicles will be restricted, exceptions will be made for specific community events, such as the Fire in the Sky event on New Year’s Day.
Public consultation saw more than 190 submissions, with 187 people expressing a preference. Of those, 74.5% supported a closure, and the 10pm to 6am option was the most popular choice at 38%.
Some officials and councillors expressed concerns regarding the decision. Councillor Rob Telfer suggested that camera technology might be a better way to catch offenders rather than punishing the whole community. Councillor Sam Gibson also objected, stating that alternative solutions for those unable to walk or ride had not been sufficiently explored.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and 1News.