Rotokura Walkway sets standards for country

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 549, 16 August 1994, Page 3

Rotokura Walkway sets standards for country

Recent work undertaken by aTourism Green work crew on the Lake Rotokura Walkway has impressed Department of Conservation officials. Visiting members of the Tongariro-Taupo Conservancy were full of praise for the work carried out by the four workers - all local people who had been unemployed for more than 26 weeks. Conservation Officer John Lough said the work was of the highest standard possible and was a reflection of the crew's dedication to the project. Success was in no small part due also to project manager Karen Hawke, supervisor of the scheme. To date some 400 metres of track have been metalled to a walking shoe standard and the steep gradient of some sections of track reduced to make them more accessible to all ages and also aid rain water run-off. Another project was to install a new bridge across the outlet of Dry Lake. Arguably the most important task was to remove two

picnic platforms from the area of the Rotokura top lake, that local Iwi had declared culturally offensive. Other picnic platforms were installed elsewhere, to replace those removed. The second stage of work is due to commence in early November. Stage Two work includes completing track metalling, installation of a new public toilet and information signs, and landscaping around the Lake Rotokura car parking area.