Newsletter

Issue 1 September 2000

The project is a local initiative, having been identified as a need by many members of the community. Waihi Walkways was originally established in November 1998 with the objective of developing links between existing tracks so that a network of walks, linking attractions and areas of interest, would be achieved. This entails walks within Waihi town linking with neighbouring established DOC walks such as Karangahake Walkway, Wentworth Valley and Dickey's Flat. The walkways will highlight sites of historical or cultural importance/interest as well as areas of significant natural beauty.

After Waihi Walkways first public meeting in May 2000, which indicated substantial support - the group applied for and became an incorporated society on 17 July 2000. This now enables Waihi Walkways to apply for funding rather than solely relying on donations.

The group is currently working on a strategic plan which include four walkways in Waihi township to be developed in 2001. Two of these are underway - the Scout Walkway and Riverbank Terrace Walkway. Eventually they will link with Coffey's Creek Walkway and Victoria Walkway and eventually further on still to Karangahake!

The future for Waihi Walkways is looking very positive and in the years to come many people will truly value the asset they have here, in Waihi.

From the outset Waihi Walkways have established communication with HDC, Iwi. Environment Waikato, Department of Conservation and affected landowners. Communication is of great importance to allow interested and affected parties to voice their ideas and opinions.

Borrowing the GPS (Global Positioning System) from Keith Brodie of Waihi Gold Company, has shown how useful and valuable this instrument is. It is a hand held instrument that allows Eric to plot where he is within five metres. It does this by receiving signals from several of the 24 GPS satellites orbiting the globe.

Eric is pushing for the Waihi Ward Councillors to visit and meet with him at the Waihi Dredging Plant Site, with an aim of securing it as a public reserve. The members have indicated they are willing to meet but as yet no date has been set. The Hauraki District Council is proposing to subdivide this area and adjoining land into lifestyle blocks. The land Waihi Walkways wishes to secure is at the very end, incorporating historical sites, access to a popular swimming hole on the Ohinemuri and the tree lined Waitete Stream. This area is a 'natural reserve' of its own and it would be a great shame to lose this area, considering it already is council land. It would prove a very valuable addition to Waihi itself and very useful indeed for Waihi Walkways.

Eric is currently surveying/plotting the Bridge to Bridge Walk - Clark Street to Golden Valley Bridge. He is looking to work with Waihi Gold Company to get this walkway underway. It would be around the base of Black Hill (Ngatikoi Domain) and could loop Black Hill if a shorter walk was wanted or carry on to Golden Valley.

Eric has also revamped documents for funding applications and the proposal to the Council regarding the Waihi Dredging Plant Site.

Received in August from:

Jim Say Foundation: $5,000 - this will go towards materials and construction costs.

Waikato Community Trust: $3,500 - this is towards administration, research and development costs.

September Applications:

A funding application has been made to Pacific Development and Conservation Trust and if successful will go towards environmental enhancement of River Bank Terrace Walkway - planting etc.

Another application is with Lotteries Environment & Heritage to hopefully pay for our co-ordinator's salary.

Working Bee - Spade Day! Clearing Scout Walkway:-Sunday 1st October at 9.30 a.m.

Next meeting:- Thursday 21^st September at 5 p.m. in the GO Waihi Office. If you have items for the Agenda, please contact the Secretary.

Waihi District Walkways Inc.

Committee contact details:

Chairperson: Tessa Mackenzie Ph: (07) 863 7840

Secretary: Owen Morgan Ph: (07) 863 8540

Treasurer: John Vinson Ph: (07) 863 9021

Co-ordinator: Eric Lens Ph: (07) 863 7084

Address for correspondence:

Waihi Walkways, PO Box 34, Waihi

Registered office:

Waihi District Walkways Inc., 10 Baker Street, Waihi

Logo, copyright - Eric Lens     Newsletter Editor - Wendy Trebilco

Waihi District Walkways Inc. PO Box 241 Waihi New Zealand

Send e- mail to: Waihi Walkways