For the first time, the ASB Data Insights team from Auckland had their volunteer day at CUE Haven.  The team arrived first thing in the morning and included Alan, Harry, Justin and Nat.

Because everyone was new to CUE Haven, we spent some time getting acquainted over morning tea, and Mahrukh gave a short talk on the CUE Haven project and our current activities and future plans.

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

Because of the size of the group, it was a good day to tackle several little projects and as a result, we moved around the reserve over the course of the day.

The first task was to re-install a sign which had been damaged during the cyclone last year.  The CUE Haven viewing platform was gifted the name “Te Rite o Taranaki” – the view from Taranaki – by our late kaumatua Haahi Walker (Ngāti Rango of Ngāti Whatua).

Taranaki is the maunga that the Ngāti Rango people identify with and it is part of their ancestry and identity.  Mount Taranaki (yes, there is still an officially named Mt Taranaki in the Kaipara area), is located on a privately owned property just east of CUE Haven and can be easily viewed as we approach Te Rite o Taranaki.

The signs were created by a member of the Ngāti Rango hapu and signify our relationship with nature.

The support stand of the one of the signs had broken off and once a new post was attached, we could re-install the sign.   The team dug out the area and using mallets fixed the sign firmly in the ground.

We then moved down to an area where school groups meet for waicare or other outdoor activities.  There is a platform with several benches and we wanted to improve the area so that the benches are even and level.

The first task was to bring the gear down to the work area.

The team took some time to have a look at the area to determine the best approach.

They started out by leveling off the ground so the benches would sit evenly.

After a closer look at the bench and the ground, they decided that putting some flat timber boards under the legs would make the benches totally secure.

They brought down some timber.

After careful measurements to determine the correct lengths for the timber, they took turns cutting the boards.

Before attaching the boards, the bench legs were checked for alignment.

Some fine surgical skills were needed to get all the legs to the exact length.

Locations for the nails to secure the boards were determined and marked.

And the team shared the task of hammering in the nails.

Once all the boards were attached, the benches were put back in place.

And tested out.

The team’s efforts have greatly improved the appearance, comfort and safety of the seating area—well done!

The last task the team tackled was to fix a section of track at the top of a set of steps.  The top step had moved out of alignment, shifting the side board of the track.  The team started out by having a look at the situation and coming up with a solution.

They removed the misaligned step and side boards and then determined the correct alignment for the track.

They cut timber to replace the damaged side boards.

The new side boards were installed.

They then worked on re-installing the step.

A string line was used to determine the best angle for the step in relation to the approach track and the other steps.

Then the step riser was secured in the new location with pegs.

The gap behind the riser was backfilled with soil to make the step level.

And the step was securely nailed in place.

Once the step was complete, the team installed the side boards on the approaching track.

New side boards were cut.

And fixed in place with stakes and nails.

The final task was to level the ground and rake the gravel back onto the track.

The track is looking better than ever as a result of the team’s creative approach to fixing the issue.

The small but hard working and creative team accomplished a lot in a few hours and their efforts will be greatly appreciated by visitors as they comfortably explore the CUE Haven bush.

Our many thanks to Nat for organising the team’s visit today.

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone for all your hard work and efforts.  It was great chatting with you all and spending time with you and we also very much enjoyed working with you.  Thanks for your contribution to CUE Haven.

We look forward to having you all out to CUE Haven soon to explore more of your community native forest reserve with your family and friends. And back again next year for another productive and fun volunteer day!

Thank You!! Thank You!!