Community Involvement

‘Friday Trackies’ has become an institution at Langs Beach.

It formed as a group of like minded people in 2019 who wanted to improve weed control and walking access around Langs Beach. An agreement was reached with DOC to work on the Langs Beach Scenic Reserve and Friday Trackies got started. The Wairahi Tracks Trust was formalised with a Trust Deed in 2020.

Langs Beach Scenic Reserve

Countless volunteering hours have gone into the transformation of the Scenic Reserve , the development of the wetland and building a network of tracks through regenerating native bush above the reserve. Accompanied by pest control and targeted weed control, the Scenic Reserve is now an environmental asset for the community.

The results of all this effort are readily seen as you drive into Langs Beach from the South, with gorse road spraying completed, and to your left, the now attractive Langs Beach Scenic Reserve ‘s wetland and on your right, the roadside clearing and planting.

Across the stream, the Bridge to Bridge walkway and planting comes into view.

Saturday Weedies

This group meets on a Saturday morning at 10 am for two hours and is largely responsible for the planting, maintenance and weeding in the Scenic reserve and the Bridge to Bridge walkway.

The Coastal Walkway - Waipu Cove to Langs Beach

Towards the end of 2022 leading up to the summer 2023/24, Friday Trackies turned their attention to The Coastal Walkway. Once again agreement was reached with the Whangarei District Council to allow for upgrading of the track by the Wairahi Tracks Trust.

In early 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle caused a huge slip, which needed to be professionally cleared, and the opportunity was taken to improve the contour and surface of the track.

For more than a year, volunteers cleared, benched, built new steps, and carried and spread sacks of metal on the track . Other community groups joined in the effort, resulting in hundreds of volunteer hours. By the start of summer 23/24 the new Coastal Walkway was ready to be enjoyed by all.

“I just wanted to drop a note of appreciation to the Waipu community for.the wonderful CoastalWalkway. As a landscape photographer,it is stunning to witness the community effort that has provided access to this natural wonder. Well done to all involved. If you are reading this as a visitor to the area, please respect the community’s efforts and the natural beauty of this place.”

Friday Trackies also lend support to other local initiatives such as Weed Action, Piroa Conservation Trust, the Coastal Dune Group and the removal of weeds at Waterman Drive entrance.

The Trust hopes to reach out to other similar groups in the Langs Beach, Mangawhai ,Waipu area to develop broader connections and projects.

Please come and join the group if you would like to become part of this vibrant community project. As well as weeding and track building skills, you may have skills in other areas such as publicity, grant writing or website building.

We’d love to hear from you.

Friday Trackies - contact Mary - info@wairajitracks.nz

Saturday Weedies - contact Mary - info@wairahitracks.nz