Work begins on restoring old Waipawa go-kart track

Waipawa teacher Tim Waite is trying get community interest to resurrect the old Waipawa karting track for multiple use. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND

Although now enveloped by weeds and scrub, and with its tarseal failing in parts, the old go-kart track by the stopbank of the Waipawa River has seen better days but moves are afoot to resurrect the once popular recreational facility.

New Zealand motor racing ace Greg Murphy began his career as a youngster zooming around the 400 metre long figure-8 track, just under the train bridge off Harker Street.

It also used to attract people from across the North Island who would stay at the neighbouring campground, but for many years now, however, it has lain idle - some tyres around the edges of the track a reminder of an effort about 10 years ago to bring it back to life.

About a month ago Waipawa School teacher Tim Waite took his class for a walk in the area, and said a lot of the parents and children did not even know it was there.

The now 37-year-old said he had vague memories of people go-karting on it when he was about nine or 10, and said the visit with his students prompted him to see who might want to join him in restoring it.

That was about a month ago, a Facebook page had been started, and about 40 people had expressed an interest, and a meeting was held.

"At that first meeting we decided spray the weeds around the track first - they will no doubt be hiding a few secrets.

"It would then need to be re-surfaced."

The idea would be to make it multi-use, such as for bikes as well, perhaps with stop lights and road markings like the children's cycle track that was offered on Marine Parade in Napier.

The hope was that it could be a true community project, and already some Waipawa School students had put together a design including grandstands and tree houses.

"It would be good to have something like this in this community - something we don't have to travel for.

"You can sit and complain about a small community losing its resources or you can do something about it."

To find out more about the initiative visit the Facebook page - Waipawa Go-Kart Track Restoration Project.