|
North bank construction under way! After many years of planning and consultation, we're pleased to be able to say we've finally broken ground on new trail along the north bank of the Tairua River! With all approvals in place, we've built several hundred metres of new trail from a point on the north bank opposite where the existing south bank terminates. The Tanner’s section is heading along the river towards Tairua. Work has so far involved stripping topsoil, which has been saved for use in future planting. We’re adding layers of crushed metal to help form the trail surface (finer metal will be added later), clearing weeds, moving fences inland, building an access road, and preparing to start work on a short boardwalk section heading northbound towards Tairua. This milestone is the culmination of years of work from so many groups, so thank you to everyone who has helped make this happen. A special thanks to landowner Alan Tanner for allowing work to begin on his property. We intend to continue to progressively construct the land-based trail around the Tanner farm to a point where it will join the NZTA road reserve on SH25 via a small bridge at Swampy Stream. The length of this section of trail is 2.7km and once complete, we'll be able to undertake predator trapping, native planting and provide public access. More than 50% of the funding is secured for this section of the trail, and our community fundraising and volunteer workforce will enable this to be progressively completed. Once this section is complete, we will follow a similar model as we progressively develop the 3km land-based trail to the Tairua Cemetery. While this is an exciting development, looking ahead, we will need to raise significant funds for the120-metre-long suspension bridge, the Bridge Section, $1.5m. Also, the 1km elevated boardwalk which will take the trail to Tairua Primary school, $1.5m. We're busy applying for available funding and grants, but the missing piece of the puzzle is finding a cornerstone partner or partners - whether a like-minded local business or philanthropic organisation - to support our efforts to finish the trail. If you or someone you know is interested in talking to us about partnership opportunities, please contact Derrick on027 224 4277 or [email protected]. For a full list of ways you can support the trail, see the bottom of this email. How you can help us complete the trail Without putting too finer point on it, our funds are dwindling. Thank you to those who are already donating but we still need a lot more help! Spread the word. The more people around the country who know about this awesome trail, the better. Forward this email to your friends, follow us on Facebook, and stay tuned to local media for updates on our progress. Lend us a hand. We’re on the look out for volunteers to help with a range of tasks, including planting new trees and helping build and maintain the new trail on the Tairua side of the river. Email [email protected] to register your support. Partner with us. We’re looking to team up with a business or philanthropic organisation as a cornerstone partner to help us make this dream a reality. If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact our chair Derrick Adams on 027 224 4277 or [email protected]. Donate. If you are in a position to contribute financially, please consider becoming a Trail Blazer. Or, for one-off donations, click here or google search “Tairua River Trail Givealittle” any time. The trail has been community-led from day one and we’re so appreciative of every dollar donated. All donations are tax deductible as we are a charitable trust. Running and walking events on the trail The trail has hosted two separate events in recent months: the annual Pauanui Half Marathon in March, and the inaugural Aramex Kiwi Walk & Run Series event in early May. Events like these create brilliant memories for those who take part and contribute to a timely boost for local businesses, and we see potential for more uses of the trail in future that will benefit the community. A big thanks to the organisers of both these events for their generous donations to the trail and we look forward to hosting you all again next year!  Comments are closed.
|
| Tairua River Trail | Latest News |