Mount remembers Chris Ryan

A tear appeared as Chris Ryan remembered his late wife.

Mr Ryan choked on his words but smiled as he thanked the Mount Maunganui community for paying tribute to his wife Chris (Christine) Ryan, who was an avid member of the Mount Maunganui community.

The mother-of-two died of cancer four months ago.

Hundreds of Mount locals built a fitness trail in her honour.

Yesterday despite the drizzling rain, local dignitaries, the Ryan family, parents and staff gathered at Mount Maunganui Primary School to mark the official opening of the trail, which snakes its way around the exterior of the school's playing field.

The Ryans' two sons, Jack and Tom, attend Mount Maunganui Primary and cut the yellow ribbon in the opening ceremony.

In his address to guests, Mr Ryan thanked the community for their support and said his wife would have been delighted with the fitness trail.

"It's really nice to be involved in this community and it's really cool to see plumbers, painters, accountants, policemen, farmers, mums, dads and kids come together and create this," he said. "I am amazed with the support and this would be fitting for Chris."

The community gathered at the school on Saturday to take part in a working bee, organised by deputy principal Matt Simeon.

When the working bee began at 8am, about 40 people were already mucking in. Around lunch time, about 150 people were working on the fitness trail with many more passing through throughout the day.

The day had a carnival-like atmosphere and was a way to celebrate the life of Mrs Ryan.

Mr Simeon said it took one day to complete the fitness trail and he was overwhelmed with the level of support from the school and greater community.

He said the project was made possible thanks to a $5000 donation from Tauranga police, which was raised in the annual Tauranga police CIB Charity Auction, held last month.

Detective Sergeant Peter Blackwell was at the opening and said it was pleasing to donate to community projects such as this.

"This is a special group and it's important to recognise our great friend Chris Ryan. We wanted to do something for the school because she was heavily involved in this school."

He said it was an "easy decision" to fund the project and yesterday handed over a cheque to Mr Simeon.

Local businesses Bunnings Warehouse, Firth Landscapes, New World, Hirequip and Barclay Engravers were also major contributors to the project.

National MP Simon Bridges attended and spoke about the importance of strong community spirit.

The fitness trail was blessed by Minister Reginald Tahau, from Ratana Church.

Mr Simeon said Mrs Ryan was a passionate community advocate and always had the children's best interests at heart.

"Even though this is forever in her honour, it's something that's for the kids and that's what she was all about," he said.