Wet welcome for heritage trail

Webbed feet were the only ones suitable for pounding the pavement of a new seven-kilometre history trail opened in Waitara at the weekend.

The Te Rangitaake Waitara Heritage Walkway was officially opened on Saturday. However, the weather forced the ceremony into the Town And Country Club.

The Heritage Committee of the Waitara Community Development Trust (WCDT) has for several years worked to convert the existing walkway into a heritage trail.

The trail begin at the newly developed West Quay, and winds its way along stopbanks to Marine Park, where it will eventually join with the proposed New Plymouth to Waitara Coastal Walkway.

The trail then turns back through the disputed Peka Peka Block to rejoin the river at Brooks Terrace and continues back around to West Quay.

It showcases 24 local historical sites, buildings and places of interest with storyboards, carved panels and stone carvings detailing their significance to the area.

WCDT chairwoman Jana McKee thanked all those involved in making the trail a reality.

Waitara Community Board chairman Craig McFarlane said Waitara was moving forward with the opening of the walkway.

"It is important to use the past to take Waitara into the future," Mr McFarlane said.

The past was something mokopuna (grandchildren, future generations) needed to know about, he said.

Taranaki Electricity Trust chairman Brian Jeffares said it was important to leave a mark for future generations to enjoy. "So it can be remembered in the years to come."

A trust grant helped fund the walkway.

Mayor Peter Tennent said the new trail would help people to learn about the rich history of the area.

WCDT co-ordinator Clive Pryme said another four storyboards, identifying key pa sites, were waiting for final hapu approval before being erected.

Mr Pryme acknowledged many individuals and organisations had contributed to the launch, and local reverend Tricia Carter blessed the walkway.


SOURCE: By LEIGHTON KEITH