Tracks and the famous local ‘Trackies’

During the first week of May the famous Wairahi Tracks Charitable Trust ‘Trackies’ and the Mangawhai Trackies (both well known locally for building many of our walking tracks) were joined by the RNZAF with a goal to ‘cut in’ a new section of walking trail that passes over the Waorahi Conservation Estate in the ranges. Councillor Rick Stolwerk, who represents the NRC Coastal South constituency, says the project has grown significantly over the past year.

“It’s great to see all the long-standing volunteers getting a boost and some muscle power in the form of support from the Air Force to tackle and expand the mahi in the area.”

The track cutting work will open up an important alternative track to the public, moving walkers off the public roadside to enjoy the natural landscape and seascape of the area by travelling via a connected network of tracks where native birds are flourishing again after a concerted effort to tackle rats, possum and mustelids. The Air Force helped the team meet major milestones in conservation and recreational plans in the area that would otherwise take many months to complete. Stay tuned for the track details and location once the final work is completed and it’s ready to enjoy.

None of this work would have been possible without the dedicated project team and support from sponsors. Thanks to DOC and NRC for their ongoing partnership with PBL and the Waorahi Conservation estate, all the volunteers but most of all our special guests the RNZAF.

n Keen to understand more about the work being done in the area? Visit pbl.org.nz. There is plenty of room for extra help building walking and mountain bike tracks in the area.

Spirits are high as local Trackies are joined by Air Force personnel to cut in a new section of walking trail.

Teamwork. Pictured from left: Peter Hunt (PBL), F/S Sandi Cooper, Graeme Giles (PBL), Waorahi ranger Steve McKee, WGCDR Phil Jackson, Adele Mangnall (PBL), and FLTLT Mike Jeffcoat.