Ngati Kahungunu protest outside Craggy Range Winery about the Te Mata Peak track
A planned walk for supporters of the controversial Te Mata Peak track, scheduled to be held this Saturday has been postponed, with organisers saying they do not want to add "fuel to the fire".
Te Mata Peak People's Track Society Incorporated chairman George Williams said their decision came in a"move to support the current discussions underway between Hastings District Council, local iwi, and land owner and track creator, Craggy Range Winery".
"Our intention in promoting the group walk was only to have a fun and positive occasion but it seems this has been misconstrued by some, Williams said.
"We most definitely do not want for the walk to be seen as a rally or a protest. This walk was never about being divisive. We want to make sure that we are not adding to any of the heat that is going on."
The group walk is now scheduled for June 10 at 8am.
Te Mata Peak Peoples' Track Society chairman George Williams, secretary Rebecca McNeur and spokesman Xan Harding.
Up to 300 people were expected to attend.
An Ngati Kahungunu Hui-A-Iwi will be held on Saturday at 10am at the Waimarama Marae, which Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst would be attending.
She has previously said "council is working hard to ensure all the stakeholders are around the table to come up with a solution that all parts of the community will be happy with."
Williams said the supporters' group had not been invited but would attend if they were.
"We want to be involved in the discussions and find a positive way that can help heal this whole situation. All the society wants is to be able to be heard and to be part of the discussions," he said.
"We sincerely hope that the current discussions will progress positively and so we've made the decision to wait a few weeks before we hold our walk. We also welcome the signals I have now received that the Society will be involved in those discussions, and so we'll be able to promote our objectives directly to the other parties."
"We hope that the people who support the retention of the track, who are from all walks of life, will join together in positive celebration of the track they love," Mr Williams said.
