It’s amazing what people power can achieve, just take a look at Te Puna Quarry Park, near Tauranga. From 33ha of overgrown, pest-infested former quarry to a public park that delights visitors every single day of the week.
Yesterday was the 25th anniversary of the first work day, when volunteers turned up to begin clearing pest plants and illegally dumped rubbish in the area that is now the car park. I can remember thinking at the time that it was just too big a job, that people would get disheartened and walk away from it, especially as there was no money for anything.
How wrong was I? Not only have weeds been cleared (an ongoing task) but there are walking tracks all over the site, gardens to be discovered, a small function venue, an amphitheatre and as original volunteers have aged and/or fallen away, others have emerged to take their place.
A low-key lunchtime event yesterday was a chance to celebrate volunteers past and present and for everyone to give themselves a big pat on the back for realising the dream. President Shona Purves read out the names of that first band of volunteers, some still involved with the project.
Stories were told about the bureaucratic tangle that had to be negotiated before a management agreement (allowing work to begin) could be signed with Western Bay of Plenty District Council, endorsed by former Mayor Maureen Anderson who laughingly agreed with every word.
Tribute was also paid to the late Colin Bidois and Pirirakau hapu who, seeing what was being achieved at the quarry for the community, decided to exempt the land from their Waitangi Tribunal claim.
If you’d like to join the happy band of volunteers, turn up on any Tuesday morning at 9am with gardening tools, sturdy shoes and morning tea. All sorts of jobs are available from small construction to weeding.
Sandra's Garden 