Andy says obtaining a “non-notified” resource consent from the Waikato Regional Council has saved us a possible $80,000 in Environment Court  hearing costs. We are in the process of finalizing the necessary concession from DOC for the river margin and expect to start construction of the Trail from Duck Creek to the river in the near future. But we will not be able to commence construction of the marginal strip section by the river until early next year.

Our priority now will be given to raising the significant amount of money required to complete stage 3.

The 4th/5th January storm dealt the Waterways boardwalk a devastating blow.

The Trail Committee is now desperate for funds to cover the $20,000 cost of materials and machine hire required for the repair. The considerable labour involved has been supplied at no cost.

​​The usual Trail Committee suspects set aside all other commitments immediately after the storm and together with a large number of enthusiastic and hard working local volunteers set to work. Within 5 days the boardwalk was temporarily fixed to the point it could be used.   
                 

Previous repairs have generally held up well.  The high tide, storm surge and large waves caused by strong winds proved too much, however, for some of the original structure.
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At least 30 new blade piles, with extensions will be driven in deeper than before. These piles should withstand even the tremendous pressure generated by the recent combination of adverse weather and tide conditions.




We are looking for donations which might, for example, cover the cost of a blade pile (30 required at $500 each), a bearer (6 required at $100 each) or a wooden pile (8 required at $50 each). But any donation will be gratefully received.

Donations should be paid to the Hikuai District Trust (a registered charity).
On line (or banked) to account number:  03 0458 0277108 00, or
Posted to the Trust’s treasurer Bill Witt, P.O. Box 97, Pauanui 3546
Requests for a receipt can be emailed to Bill:    wrwitt@outlook.co.nz
 
 

Fixed

John McKenzie's love affair with Bob continues and he has clocked up a lot of hours so far. He and Peter MIllen have made some great improvements to parts of the existing Trail.

Groups of other volunteers have planted a significant number of different trees alongside the Trail.

One way and another Trail users can be expected  to enjoy the Trail even more as time goes by.

Our thanks again to the people who made Bob's purchase possible.

                                                                         A picture paints ............................................................!

Our great little Kubota workhorse is on the job again with 5 volunteers planting more trees at this lovely spot on 6.8.17. Purchased some time ago thanks to generous discounts by Kubota and Central Motors and a substantial grant from Pub Charities this little orange buggy, with its trailer, is in constant use.

​Gabi Hunnker and Esther Salvisberg from Switzerland posed for this photo just past the southern end of the boardwalks this morning.

They were going to take their time walking all of the Trail, stopping at the many picturesque spots along the way.

Absolutely the best way to do it!