Students enjoy three-day tramp
A group of 21 Year 8 students from Takapau School, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Takapau and Sherwood School spent three days in the Ruahine Ranges recently on the annual Takapau Lions Tiraha Tramp — an event that is now in its 38th year.
The group was led by Stan Stubbs with support from Takapau Lions members John Waldin, Ray Seymour and Rob Foley and Takapau School Year 8 teacher Penny Waldin.
Nine other adults were also in support, many had themselves been on the tramp as form 2 students of Takapau or Sherwood schools. A special highlight was having three generations of the Seymour family on the same trip; Ray Seymour, son Brad and granddaughter Bethany.
On the Friday, the group tramped into Daphne Hut and based themselves there, climbing up the infamous Daphne Spur the following morning and on up to Howlett’s Hut before summiting Tiraha early on Saturday afternoon.
Trip organiser John Waldin said the weather was kind, with stunning views on the upwards climb but the summit was shrouded in cloud.
“Having all members of the group reach the summit of Tiraha (1686m) together was a great achievement,” he said.
On Sunday morning the group left Daphne Hut and walked out along the Tukituki River, taking advantage of the beautiful day and plentiful swimming holes. The group was welcomed at the Pukenui woolshed by Takapau Lions members with refreshments and they had a chance to share their tales.
Sherwood Year 8 student Viggo Pedersen, 12, loved the experience. “My favourite parts of the weekend were the amazing views and meeting kids from other schools. There was also pretty amazing tucker, including the best mashed potatoes.”
John Waldin said, “Takapau Lions are pleased to give our local children the opportunity to experience an overnight tramp to what appears to be the highest point visible in the Ruahine Ranges. For some, this will be the first of many tramps in their lifetime, for others it is an achievement that they thought they would never accomplish.”
John also thanked Helicopters Hawke’s Bay for flying the food in.