Date:  16 February 2018

Volunteer leader Jonathan Kennett said a fundraising campaign called Buck a Bog raised $8100 within a week for work on the Kaiwhakauka track which runs from Whakahoro to the Mangapurua trig.

Volunteers working on the trail
Image: Bike Taupō ©

"The campaign pitch was to get on board at least 100 bike riders to donate at least $1 per bog. We were overwhelmed by the response - some put in more, some less, local businesses also making large contributions.

"It was a fantastic effort by all involved. Pete Masters of Bike Taupo initially rode and carried out the inspection on the track, counting 81 bogs and assessing the condition of the track. It's been great working with DOC Supervisor, Senior Ranger Jim Campbell. He has enabled us to work in partnership."

A team of volunteers spent several days with DOC staff improving the drainage and covering bogs with plastic geo tech grids.

DOC Supervisor, Senior Ranger Jim Campbell said the input from Jonathan and his volunteer team, and the national overview from them, had been great.

"DOC Pipiriki and Taumarunui staff led by Recreational Ranger Shane Wooley oversaw the project and put in a huge effort with infrastructure development," Jim said.

The Kaiwhakauka track is part of Tour Aotearoa from Cape Reinga to the Bluff. There are 600 riders scheduled to cycle the approximately 3000 km journey.

The long-term plan is to bring this section of the trail up to grade 3 of the cycle trail, there is work under to ensure we can achieve this soon.

Before the revamp the Kaiwhakauka was known to be the most difficult and challenging section of Tour Aotearoa, said Jonathan, who has participated in the Tour previously.

It is his experience with Tour Aotearoa and other challenging cycling tracks drove him as a volunteer on this project. "It's so great to have an opportunity to go on a long cycling journey that allows me to connect with New Zealand lands and cultural heritage."

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