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LEADER, 31 July 2001

WALKWAY PROJECT MARCHES ON

A surge of interest in Waihi's innovative walkway project was seen last Thursday evening when 17 people attended the Waihi Walkways committee meeting.

The new Chairperson, Ruth Ordish-Benner said that there is a sense of excitement among those involved over the positive impact the project will have on Waihi's image.

The walkways system is intended to open up historical and beautiful parts of waihi to locals and visitors alike according to anintegrated plan.

Ms Ordish-Benner said she was delighted to see such a high level of interest and goodwill from different sector groups at her first meeting. Tribute was paid to work of former chairperson, Tessa McKenzie, who is about to embark on a 6 month trip overseas.

Ms Ordish-Benner said as a newcomer to the town she was amazed to discover something as far-seeing as the walkways initiative. "In the future this could well be seen as helping to make Waihi a very special place in the eyes of the nation" she said.

The walkways committee has set some realistic goals including the improvement of its public profile with the help of a website and brochure. Action groups are to pursue special projects such as the proposed Lawrence Road Reserve.

Interest is growing in the issue as archaelogical information has recently come to hand showing that the dredging site has even more historical significance then previously thought.

Hauraki District Councillor, Sel Baker told last Thursday's meeting at length of the support that he and the other Waihi Ward Councillors have for the Lawrence Road initiative. Councillor Mike Hayden added that it would be a good idea for the archaelogists to be present when committee and council members meet at the site as proposed in the near future.

Both men agreed that the council had been impressed by the standard of material presented to it by Walkways co-ordinator, Eric Lens.

Walkways committee meetings continue on the third Thursday of every month although the venue of the next meeting is yet to be decided.

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Waihi District Walkways Inc. PO Box 241 Waihi New Zealand

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