Phoebe’s Friends—1 November 2020

A few weeks ago, our friend Phoebe, brought out a group of her friends to volunteer with some track work at CUE Haven.  Today more of her friends – Brittany, Drew, Eloise, Kirsty, Rhiannon and Timothy came out bright and early to also help out.

Also joining us for the day was our friend Lyall.

Because everyone was new to CUE Haven, we spent some time getting acquainted over morning tea and Mahrukh explained the history of the CUE Haven project and plans for the future.

Thomas then gave a safety briefing and described the work planned for the day.

The plan for the day was to continue fixing up the walking track approaches to the viewing platform by building on the work that previous team had done.  Today’s tasks involved finishing off one set of steps and working on a new section of track we are building to give visitors easy access to the platform area.

We drove up to the site and went to work.  Once on site, Thomas showed the group the work to be done and they then split into teams to tackle the separate projects.

Drew and Brittany tackled a challenging job to finish off some steps connecting the main road to three different tack sections.  The task involved figuring out how to logically connect the various routes and to build an easy step down from the road.  They started by studying the work done by previous groups and figuring out a plan.

Once they had a plan they dug out the area for the step sides and levelled the area.

They test-fitted the side boards.

And cut the timber to size.

Everything was double checked to make sure things were level and straight.

And the boards were nailed in place.

When the framework was in place, they filled in the steps and surrounding area with soil to level everything off.

They spread a layer of gravel on the new steps and the result is outstanding.

Kirsty, Rhiannon and Timothy went to work fixing up another section of track that leads down from the viewing platform and joins a new track that will give visitors another access alternative to the platform area.

The first task involved straightening the side board on some wider steps so that they smoothly join the two other track branches.  They started by having a look at the situation and coming up with a solution.

They then dug out the area around the steps and reinstalled the side board on an angle that will logically join the new track section.

The new side board was nailed into place.

They then carried on improving the new track.  The work involved widening and levelling the track and digging out channels for side boards.

The side boards were installed and pegged and nailed in place.

On curved sections of the track, they had to cut the boards to size.

The team managed to finish off one side of an entire section of track—an amazing effort.  Future teams will finish off the other side and lay down a layer of gravel to finish off the track section.

Lyall has been working on a project to turn some of the off cuts of the platform foundation poles into seats for a long section of track in front of the viewing platform.   The plan is for three groups of seats arranged in the shape of matau, the Maori name for fish hook.  The matau has significant symbolism to Maori because of its relationship to the sea and it represents strength, prosperity and abundance and respect for the sea and a safe journey.

He continued working on the project today and asked for a volunteer to help him dig out the holes for the last of the posts. And Eloise was happy to help out.

Lyall continued to work on cutting the poles to various lengths and bevelling the edges.  As Eloise finished off the holes he brought down the pole sections and installed them.

It was a difficult and challenging job, but future visitors will very much enjoy relaxing on the new benches.

The teams accomplished a huge amount of work which will be much appreciated by visitors to CUE Haven for years to come.

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who came along today and a special thank you to Phoebe for organising the event.  Phoebe we missed you!

Thank you all so very much for giving up a Sunday to come out to help. We really enjoyed meeting you all and spending time together. And we so appreciated your enthusiasm, good ideas and hard work.  Everyone’s efforts have made a major contribution to the CUE Haven landscape and set a high standard for other teams to follow to complete the tasks.

We very much look forward to having you all back for more fun and productive work days and back again soon for a leisurely visit to your community native forest reserve.

Thank You!! Thank You!!