Navigating the scenic trails of Tairāwhiti was recently made easier thanks to Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust (TTT) and the clear and concise way-finding signage they’ve installed on trails in our region with the help of a grant from Sunrise’s General fund.
The trust hopes that the signage will motivate both locals and visitors to adopt a more active lifestyle, cultivating a stronger sense of connection and community. The first track to benefit from the much-needed signage was Mātokitoki Valley Track which connects Riverside Road and Mātokitoki Valley Road.
The Trust is also focusing its efforts on the Ūawa Cycle and Walkway around Tolaga Bay. This 6km track encompasses two loops designed to create a safe and enjoyable off-road connection between key locations within the area. This includes Tolaga Bay Area School, the local shops, the skatepark, the golf course, the beach, and other popular attractions. An entrance sign and 20 bollards with smaller way-finding signs have helped link these vital community areas.
Gillian Ward, TTT trustee, says, “We are incredibly grateful to Sunrise for their generous support. The signage means the tracks are much more visible and have made a real difference for people wanting to be active, including any visitors exploring our region.”
When asked what their goals for the future are, Gillian says their trust hopes to install way-finding signs on all local tracks, displaying local maps, history and ancestral stories shared by local iwi leaders.
If you’ve got a few spare hours, why not grab a drink bottle, and look at the tracks and the new signage for yourself?
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