A solution is in sight for public access through Liston Park in Greerton, after Tauranga City Council reached an agreement with the new owners of the former Tauranga RSA site.

The site at 1237 Cameron Rd, recently purchased by Turners Group NZ Ltd, includes a carpark backing on to the neighbourhood reserve.

For years, local residents have used an informal route linking the adjacent park through to Hayes Ave and Cameron Rd – providing a convenient connection for families heading to schools, shops and the Greerton village area.

Following the sale of the property, that access was closed on April 8 when Turners began construction works, raising concerns among residents who relied on the route.

Councillor Rod Taylor said that families with children walking to school were faced with a potentially longer and less safe route, placing them closer to Cameron Rd traffic.

Taylor said the “council owns a stretch of grass that runs from Liston Park along the back of the carpark towards the cul-de-sac [Hayes Ave], but there’s a small piece of land at the end that is owned by this property [1237 Cameron Rd]”.

Tauranga City councillor Rod Taylor at the council-owned grassed area behind the carpark. About two metres at the far end is privately owned. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

Now, Tauranga City Council said an agreement had been reached with Turners to provide a formalised connection.

The council’s head of spaces and places Alison Law said both parties were “pleased” to have secured a way forward.

“Tauranga City Council and Turners are pleased to have reached an agreement about ongoing public access to provide a connection through Liston Reserve to Hayes Ave,” Law said.

Tauranga City councillor Rod Taylor at Liston Park. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

“This will include the installation of permanent fencing. To formalise the pathway, resource consent is required and this process is getting under way.”

Law said once resource consent is granted, the council will begin minor works to formalise the pathway and open it to the public.

“A confirmed timeline is not yet available, as progress will depend on the timeframe for the resource consent approval process.”

An existing walkway links Hynds Rd and Hayes Ave. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

Liston Park, a small neighbourhood reserve on Hynds Rd, had become an important local hub for Gate Pā and Greerton residents. A new playground opened there in September 2025, increasing its popularity with families.

While there are two existing walkways linking Hynds Rd and Hayes Ave, and from Hayes Ave through to Cameron Rd near Greerton Hall, barrier bars made access difficult for people with prams or mobility scooters.

Law said the council is also working on a wider plan that would improve access from the end of the Hayes Ave to the Cameron Rd walkway past Greerton Hall.