Mokai access
A message from Dan Tuohy, Senior Ranger, DoC Manawatu. Posted 24 December 2022.
Kia ora koutou,
I just wanted to update you all on the exciting news to end what has been a massive year. You may have seen the press releaase on stuff today released by FMC, so this may not be a huge surprise to some of you.
After many months (and years) of having no access across Mokai Station to the Ruahine Forest Park, we have successfully negotiated to reinstate public access over the 1976 agreed route. This is massive breakthrough and shows real progress in the relationship between DOC and the landowner. I will not lie, it has not been an easy ride, but with determination and some great work done by so many people, we have got there. There is still some work to do in order to fufill the requests of both parties, but access is open and the DOC website has been changed to reflect this. The public can now access Otukota hut and the Ruahine Forest Park (North Western section).
All we ask, is that people respect the private land and stick to the marked route. It is marked with orange triangles and signs from the Mokai road end to the carpark, posts from the carpark to the top of Mokai Patea range and waratahs to the Ruahine Forest Park, Otukota hut access.
I thank you all for your patience as we have worked through this access issue and in particular, I would like to send a huge thanks to David Bishop from the Statutory Land team, Dell OConner and Kevin Smith from the legal team, Moana Smith-Dunlop, Operations Manager Manawatu, Kelly Hancock who did an amazing job acting for Moana while she was on leave and to all my fellow DOC team members and the access working group for your continued support.
Attached is a map that details the route and how it is marked with signs from the Mokai road end to the carpark. Myself and Carl (Supervisor here at DOC) completed this today.
Over the next 2 months, we would love to repaint the posts and place orange caps on the waratahs to make them even more visible that make up the rest of the route, so if you are keen to help out, drop me an email and I will let you know when this is going to happen.
I wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a great New year. Ensure you all have a good break and I look forward to working with you all in 2023.
Christmas dinner, Thursday 8 December
We held the 2022 Christmas dinner and enjoyed a wonderful selection of salads and desserts created by members. Yvonne cooked the huge ham, and Kelvin had the task of carving it.
Ruahine User Group
Julia attended the meeting (and took minutes), on Monday 21 November. Here are the final minutes of the meeting. Ruahine Users Group Meeting Agenda and Actions November 2022_3[12124]
Tramp List January to July 2023
Attached is the list, however we still looking for some Tramp Organisers. Please have a look and let Sue Martin/Di Reid know if you would like to put yourself forward for this role.Trip List Jan to July 2023 V1
Ruahine Whio Supporters
A message from Janet Wilson, chair of Ruahine Whio Protection Trust:
I am getting in touch with those who bought “Wild Ruahine” calendars from us last year.
These were popular and so we have produced another one for 2023 – hoping that everyone enjoyed this year’s calendar so much that they would like to support the Ruahine Whio Protection Trust again.
Once again they are designed locally by whio protector and designer Anthony Behrens (Swampthing). All photos are donated and it is even printed in NZ by Greenlees in Masterton.
All proceeds go to support the volunteer effort in the Ruahines.
Cost is $20 + PP. They are also available at Bivouac Palmerston North for the same price. If you would like to get one for yourself or maybe a couple as gifts, please contact Janet via her email jwilson@inspire.net.nz
Wilding pine update, 12 November
Graham Leech reports: We dodged the weather and in fact sunburn was a higher risk than the rain. Nine of us got well into the work and tallied 1700 in the end – mainly on the lower eastern faces by the second smaller lake. Thanks Giles, Russell and John, and the five students doing voluntary service for their Duke of Edinburgh Award (Jack and Angus from Hastings Boys and Joe, Jack and Thomas from Lindisfarne).
DoC is talking to us about a new block – Kohinga (not far from The Lakes, just south-west across the road) – they have recognised the progress we have made at The Lakes (and whilst that job will never be actually “finished”) it does feel like we are close to throwing our efforts wider (gulp!).
Our next day was planned for Tuesday 20 December but has been cancelled due to forecast bad weather. We’ll be back next year!
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