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March 4, 2015
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Puhoi • Warkworth • Snells • Matakana • Omaha • Leigh • Pakiri • Wellsford • Port Albert • Kaiwaka • Mangawhai
Council support sought for coastal trail A campaign is underway to develop a trail connecting Matakana to Pakiri Beach, which could feature work by internationally renowned Kiwi artist Billy Apple. The proposed 20km Big Omaha Trail will traverse unformed and rural roads, providing walkers with panoramic views south over Omaha and Point Wells to Auckland City and north to Bream Bay and Whangarei Heads. Whangateau resident Ian Macdonald is spearheading the group behind the project. He presented to Rodney Local Board last month seeking endorsement for the trail and formal discussions with Auckland Transport on creating footpaths along parts of the route. “This could be a major tourist attraction,” he told the Board. “It could do for the area what the Rail Trail has done for Central Otago.” Internationally renowned artist Billy Apple has expressed interest in designing parts of the track, including a staircase and milestones. Billy has collaborated with artists such as Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns, and is the subject of a retrospective at Auckland Art Gallery which opens this month. His recent public works include a basalt staircase in Kingsland and a redeveloped the area around Eden Park stadium including a checkerboard walkway that opened last year. “Everything he does is put on the map internationally,” Mr Macdonald says. Billy is planning to hold an exhibition continued page 2
Artist Billy Apple is right behind the trail project.
what’s inside
Getting hitched
Wedding feature pages 25-31
Downhill dash
Trolley derby feature pages 37-41
off the drawing board this month . . .
New Home - Takatu
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