May 2021 - Update

Trail News and Maintenance: -  Our plan to start work on the Trail section from Prescott’s Garage towards Pauanui has been frustrated by Heritage NZ following reports to them regarding the actions of HDT’s Trail construction team on previous stages. We continue to work with HNZ to clarify the issues raised. This year’s School Holidays resulted in additional Trail usage for the period reported as expected.

Website:  - The website and Facebook page update is ongoing. Plans and details of the Stage 4 route are pending so keep an eye out for those.

Predator Control: - The following pests were eradicated over the reporting period: 58 x bait stations emptied = possum kills 19 x rats 15 x Good Nature Kills 1 x Stoats A graph showing seasonal pest kill rates is available on our website.

Trail Usage Counter: -  3415 passes for the period 10th April – 16th May.

Funding: -  We really appreciate the ongoing donations from our many supporters. This reminds us that our efforts are worthwhile. Investigations into funding for the Northern Trail Route construction are underway.

Trail Stage 3 Progress: -  Progress along the Marginal Strip adjacent to the Tairua River is still currently halted at the boundary between TCDC and DoC administered land. Work with our stakeholders to find a way forward is continuing The Traffic Management Plan submitted to TCDC for work on the 1.5km section of the Trail from the bridge at Prescott’s Garage in Hikuai back towards Pauanui has been approved. The bridge designs have been lodged for consent with TCDC. Fencing work along the realigned road boundary and the Trail construction work in the road reserve will get underway as soon as HNZ conclude their investigations.

Trail Stage 4 and beyond: - Planning work and consultations with Iwi and adjoining land owners along the proposed route from Hikuai to Tairua are reaching a point where the preliminary details can be released to them for discussion. The route will be released to the general public for comment once this stage of our consultations has been concluded. We are keen to investigate the possibility and benefits of eventual links with other Trails in the area, in particular a link to the Hauraki Rail Trail via the Puketui valley and beyond. Discussions with WRC regarding consents for the Geotech investigation for the Tairua School – Red Bridge Road section are ongoing. Discussions with NZTA regarding their Safer Cycling program continue

Health & Safety: -  No incidents to report during this period.