New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, the Paparoa track opened

New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track, was officially opened in Blackball on Saturday, 30 November by the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage alongside the family members of the Pike 29 and Ngati Waewae. Local mayors and MP for the West Coast Hon Damien O’Connor were also in attendance.

“Paparoa National Park and its rare karst landscapes, forests and coast is one of New Zealand’s taonga. The spectacular new track which crosses the Paparoa Range will link to the Pike 29 Memorial Track, still under construction to commemorate the 29 men who lost their lives in the Pike Mine Disaster.

“Together the tracks will create a lasting legacy and a significant new recreational and economic opportunity for the West Coast,” says Eugenie.

The 55km Great Walk is a dual mountain-biking and walking track. Work began under the former government. It has been enabled by a $12 million government investment to build 41km of new track to join up 14km of existing track, two new 20 bunk huts (Moonlight Tops and Pororari) and four major suspension bridges.

“New Zealand’s Great Walks are premier tracks that enable thousands of New Zealanders and international visitors to get out into nature. The first season of the Paparoa Track has almost sold out with over 90% of bookings being New Zealanders. This has exceeded expectations for the opening and underlines how much of an asset the West Coast’s natural environment is for the region,” says Eugenie.

“The track route passes through rich beech and podocarp forest and over open tops of alpine scrub and tussock.

It provides breathtaking views to the Southern Alps and over the Tasman Sea and passes along a towering sandstone escarpment above the Punakaiki River headwaters before descending to the west off the Paparoa Range.

As well as working closely with the Pike River Families on the track concept, DOC has worked closely with Ngati Waewae who hold mana whenua for this area.

Over 6,600 bed nights have sold on the track, of a total of just over 8,500 available a year with just over 6,000 (91%) booked by New Zealanders so far. The Paparoa Track is located north of Greymouth on the South Island’s West Coast and traverses the Paparoa Range from Blackball to Punakaiki over a distance of 55km.

The Department of Conservation has led

Want to help prepare your community for an emergency?

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is calling on people to join one of seven initial Local Advisory Committees which will help make New Zealand communities more resilient in an emergency and more resilient communities,” says Paul.

“We’re looking for people who can reflect the views and concerns of diverse community groups within their local area,” says Fire and Emergency Board Chair Paul Swain.

“They will help communities identify risks, be better prepared for emergencies, and be better able to respond to and recover well when they happen.” the construction of the new Great Walk, working with Westreef, Nelmac, The Natural Construction Company, and Abseil Access. The first walkers and bikers can officially use both ends of the track from December.

Due to a slip earlier this month, the middle section of the track will remain closed until just before Christmas. People who have already booked will be able to make return journeys to either hut until repairs to the middle section of track are able to be made.

“We’re looking for people who can engage with a range of groups, gather a community-wide perspective and are committed to building a safer, more resilient New Zealand,” says Paul.

Under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017, Fire and Emergency is required to establish Local Advisory Committees around the country to ensure a strong, representative voice for their community.

“The committees will play a key part in building safer

The first seven committees will be based in Northland, Tairawhiti, Hawke’s Bay, Chatham Islands, West Coast, Marlborough and Otago. Nominations are open and will close on 31 January 2020.

These will be the first of 16 Local Advisory Committees across New Zealand to provide a strong community voice into Fire and Emergency’s local risk planning. Each committee will have between five to eight members, including a Chair and Deputy Chair.

More information about the Local Advisory Committees and the nomination process can be found on the website: https:// fireandemergency.nz/lacs/

Ruby Bay 5B Korepo Road

Final Notice

Kaiteriteri 145 Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road

Large

Family Home With Plenty Of Space

Tranquillity and privacy, lush green countryside and a small but lovely sea view have made 5B Korepo Road a delightful haven for its owners for more than 12 years. This 257sqm, four bedroom home boasts its own unique bar downstairs with an adjoining covered patio. The entry level features an openplan kitchen and dining room, a lounge and master suite that all open to the spacious deck. bayleys.co.nz/4002641

4 2 2

Asking Price $980,000

View by appointment

Daniel Reed 021 548 982 daniel.reed@bayleys.co.nz

VINING REALTY GROUP LTD, BAYLEYS,LICENSED REAA 2008

Sea change

With expansive ocean views, easy-care grounds and excellent seclusion this elevated two-storey property has wide appeal; from professionals who need fibre internet connection and wish to escape the office to work from home, to those who would like to supplement their income by offering tourist accommodation. Featuring three bedrooms, open-plan living, a hobby room and an apartment this is a game changer. bayleys.co.nz/4051414

3 2 2

Tender (unless sold prior)

Closing 12pm, Wed 18 Dec 2019

208 High Street, Motueka

View by appointment

Leeon Johnston 021 460 294 leeon.johnston@bayleys.co.nz

VINING REALTY GROUP LTD, BAYLEYS,LICENSED REAA 2008

Motueka 4 Anderson Road

Character and quality

This early 20th century rural property provides a unique opportunity for those want comfort and tradition. Fully renovated, and with some beautiful period features retained, the home comprises open-plan living, a chic kitchen, three large bedrooms, a well appointed master suite, a laundry and a family bathroom. The exterior of the house is charming with a spacious verandah offering lovely views while the flat grounds feature sheds, a paddock, a games room and a guest cottage. Located only a few minutes' drive from Motueka this character residence epitomises both convenience and quality. bayleys.co.nz/4051395

4 2 2

For Sale offers invited over $925,000

View by appointment

Leeon Johnston 021 460 294 leeon.johnston@bayleys.co.nz

VINING REALTY GROUP LTD, BAYLEYS,LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Café culture in New Zealand is more than a good coffee. It’s about relaxing, devouring great food, enjoying thirst-quenching beverages, meeting up with friends and making the most of the atmosphere.

Here in the Tasman region, we are blessed to have a massive range of outstanding cafes and eateries. From hand-rolled genuine Japanese sushi to delicious real fruit ice creams, seasonal platters to fresh Thai flavours, we are lucky enough to have it all!

This summer, make the most of what’s on offer and take a trip to one of our regions exceptional café’s. Try something new or grab a takeaway to enjoy at the river or the beach. The options are endless and the variety is out of this world.