Newsletter

Issue 17 April 2011

It has taken considerable time…. but finally we have signs at the entranceways of Mill Stream Walkway, and one at the junction. YAY!

You may wish to consider this quote next time you visit Mill Stream Walkway.

"We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." - T. S. Eliot

After almost 3 years as Chairperson, Carol Speir has stepped down to tend to other commitments. Carol has given her full attention to the business of being our Chairperson, and has combined that with organizing many working bees.

Her enthusiastic telephone greeting will still be heard as she rings volunteers for future working bees.

Thank you Carol for the time and effort you devoted; attending many indoor and outdoor meetings as we determined the next steps for the walkways.

We welcome Brett Wisheart to the Chair. Brett has been a Committee member for some years and brings with him botanical knowledge and NZ wide tramping experience.

This lovely walk is open grassed easy walking with views across the river to the Kaimai ranges.

The Council has contributed to the walk with a metalled path at the Rosemont Road entranceway. Complete with bollards and chain, and new plantings on the bank edge of the river, this provides guaranteed access to the walkway.

We fenced an open stretch of Coffey’s Walk to prevent stock access, and similarly at Mill Stream Walkway. Sometimes erecting a fence will clarify land boundaries and the rights and responsibilities of the landowners.

The Walking Access Commission is the Crown entity that promotes walking access to publicly-owned land. It "aims to achieve free, certain, enduring and practical walking access to the outdoors in a way that respects everyone’s rights and the natural environment".

(ref: http://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/).

Waihi Walkways endorses this aim.

Over several years the area adjacent to the bridge on Victoria Street has been transformed. From an area of pest weeds, honeysuckle, blackberry, convolvulus, and privet, where people were inclined to dump their own rubbish, we now have a lovely area suitable for picnics and enjoying the Ohinemuri River.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this project. Thanks also to Hauraki District Council who formed an access ramp, provided mulch, specimen trees, and bollards with chain.

On several occasions Waihi Rotarians have brought their enthusiasm and muscle power to some of our projects. We are sad to learn the local branch may not be able to continue. Just last year Waihi Rotary built and installed three bench seats. These are located on the walks with lovely views of the Ohinemuri River. Thank you for all your support.

Over the past year we have lost 3 members who all added to the wellbeing of Waihi Walkways. Mary Smeaton was a foundation committee member, as was Vincent Klaver. Vincent’s son, Jan (resident in Sweden), has kindly donated some of Vince’s tools to Waihi Walkways, including loppers and toolbags – thank you Jan. Carlene Moloney brought her knowledge and expertise with plants to assist with design challenges. Our thoughts and appreciation go to all.

We celebrate new members joining, and welcome Alan, Bill & Marg, Jim, Len, Ian, Rae & Robbie. Your contributions to the team are appreciated.

Brett Wisheart, Chairperson: 863 6602

Ruth Ordish, Coordinator: 863 8600

Address for correspondence: Waihi Walkways PO Box 241 Waihi 3641

Back to Top

Waihi District Walkways Inc. PO Box 241 Waihi New Zealand

Send e- mail to: Waihi Walkways