Walkers welcome spring
Over 100 Far North walkers turned out to the inaugural Pipiwharauroa Hikoi for Healthy Nature, Healthy People walk at Lake Ngatu.
A first-time joint initiative between Ngai Takoto, DOC and Healthy Families Far North, the walk was held to mark the beginning of spring, while promoting physical activity and access to the district’s walking tracks for Conservation Week.
Ngai Takoto spokesperson Shane Jones spoke of the symbolism of the pipiwharauroa, or shining cuckoo, whose distinctive call traditionally marks the change in season.
Walkers from local kaumatua and kuia groups, health providers, kohanga reo and schoolstook the opportunity to identify and talk about the rongoa Maori native plants growing along the route.
Meanwhile, students and adult helpers from local Paparore School collected rubbish along the track and checked on the thriving manuka seedlings they had planted in previous terms.
Waiting at the end of the route was a sausage sizzle, a rongoa Maori workshop and traditional Maori games.
Department of Conservation community ranger Shayne Storey says she was delighted with the turnout.
‘‘This has been a huge success; I’m so pleased to see so many of our community getting out here and making the most of it.’’