Media release

Date: 02 July 2012

Connecting the coast - from river to the sea

Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve on the Kapiti Coast has a new section of public walkway. The walking track is part the Te Araroa trail and provides a link track between Otaihanga and Paraparaumu.

The Department of Conservation hopes the new track with sections of boardwalk and bridging over oxbow and salt marsh will introduce visitors to new parts of the reserves estuarine environment.

Waikanae Scientific Reserve and the surrounding area have high ecological value providing a corridor of protection from a freshwater river and estuarine area to the marine environment that extends to Kapiti Island.

The reserve providing access to the beach and the Waikanae River is popular for recreation activities including: short walks, river and beach activities, white baiting and bird watching.

New information kiosks located at entrances of the reserve provide information to visitors on estuarine environments and an opportunity to post community news of activities in the area.

The opening ceremony held on Saturday 30 June attended by Kapiti District Council Deputy Mayor Roger Booth and those involved in the work to complete the new walkway celebrated the completion of the project.

The ceremony began with a blessing of the new walkway by Don Te Maipi and Tuki Takiwa of Te Atiawa ki Whakarongatai.

DOC Kapiti Wellington Area Manager Rob Stone spoke to those gathered involved in the planning, construction and reparation planting to thank them for their valuable contribution to the project.

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work of those people here today who have created this great asset for this area”, said Mr Stone.

“Please join me in thanking them for all their hard work and dedication to complete this project”.

Among those acknowledged were: Redican Allwood of Waikanae and Emmets Civil Construction of Wanganui for track and building and construction work and the Waikanae Estuary Care Group, Waikanae and Paraparaumu Rotary for their reparation planting and local resident Mrs Gayle Lopdell for allowing access over her property during the construction phase of the project.

Deputy Mayor Roger Booth closed the ceremony by thanking the community groups in the area for their invaluable work.

“I hope that the walkway will remain as an asset for all to enjoy for many generations to come”, said Mr Booth.

Mr Booth then stepped forward asking ten year old Levon Stone to represent the next generation to help cut the ribbon with him to declare the new public walking track open.

To find out more about the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve visit:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/wellington-kapiti/kapiti/waikanae-estuary-scientific-reserve/

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