The Hikuai District Trust has now successfully completed 4.2km of a trail that will connect Tairua and Pauanui.

The trail comprises 80m of boardwalk plus seven bridges and 15 donated named seats, but a budget of approximately $50,000 is still needed to complete the next section.

The Hikuai District Trust needs $50,000 to complete the next section of the Tairua to Pauanui trail. Photo: Anne Fowler/HDT

Hikuai District Trust Chairman Gary Fowler says so the trail has cost a little over $150,000 which he describes as an 'enormous achievement” considering the difficult terrain.

So far the first two stages of the trail have been completed – the Hopper Developments Boardwalk Waterways Parade to Tangitarori Lane carpark and then on to Duck Creek.

Garry says the trail committee is now working towards Stage Three which will take the trail to the metal dump on Hikuai Settlement Road.

'In order to progress this valuable amenity further, we need further financial assistance. We are currently applying to numerous grant providers for funding however this is a very competitive environment,” says Gary.

Engineer Andy Bolton has been appointed as the new project manager, and will be leading the next stage of the trail development.

Gary thanks Storm Contracting and Pauanui ITM, the Tairua-Pauanui Community Board plus members of the community and other local businesses that have made donations towards the first two stages of the trail.

To share your ideas on gaining funding email Kim Coppersmith on [email protected]

For more information about the trail and how to make a donation visit: www.pauanuitairuatrail.org.nz