Local Focus: Te Mata Park facing expansion challenge

With one million visits a year, Te Mata Park is under pressure, but for once it's not about the controversial track.

As more people visit the Havelock North attraction, the amount of space for each person is shrinking. It's getting crowded.

The Te Mata Park Trust was hoping to future-proof the park through what it says is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase 8.5 hectares of adjoining land which straddles its two road entrances.

Trust Chairman Mike Devonshire said the new land would both enable the park to accommodate the growing numbers and enhance visitor experience.

"We have a 100-year vision for our park and it will provide the opportunity for future generations to enjoy exactly what we have here," he said.

"Which is largely an unspoilt park with many characteristics that people wish to observe, or be art of, or learn more about."

The Trust needs $1.5 million to buy the land and build tracks.

But with three months to deadline, just $9000 has been raised on its Givealittle page.