The Maungaturoto Community Walkway is officially open after several years of hard work by Otamatea High School students and other locals.
Entry to the 1.4 kilometres of the track so far completed is opposite Otamatea High School.
The first section, through paddock, is marked by white posts while the remainder is either
metal or boardwalk. The walkway passes through native bush, including stands of kauri and totara, and sheep farm.
Most has a gentle gradient although one area is slightly steeper. The full distance, from the end of the track and back along the road to the starting point, is about 2km.
The project had its genesis five years ago, when the Environmental Group, led by teacher Stella Clyde, began fencing and planting a wetland in the grounds of the Maungaturoto Country Club, with the assistance of grants from Northland Regional Council and Kaipara District Council.
Ms Clyde said the students built about 4km of fencing under the supervision of Owen Stevens. Many earned NCEA credits and they all gained useful experience.
"Then, in 2009, the group applied for funding to build a walkway around the Maungaturoto Country Club farm, so the students who had taken part in fencing and planting could walk around and show off their work," Ms Clyde said.
Lotteries Commission funding started the project and Department of Conservation funded trees.
The students worked with local landscape architect Niki Le Mesurier to create walkway and planting plans.
Trevor Butler drew up an engineering plan, while local resident Dave Churcher supervised five boys who built the gates and boardwalks.
Year 12 student Connor Chandler made signs, while he was on a workplace introduction programme at Signmasters in Warkworth.
Another student, Jacob Crosby, was on work experience with Powells Construction as the track was formed.
"Students have been involved throughout the process of building the walkway for the community to use to exercise or simply enjoy the bush and farmland alongside the estuary," Ms Clyde said.
"The project has been a true community effort with trees being planted and fences made by the students from OHS and Westmount schools.
These students have also gained credits throughout the exercise."
Construction on the last section of the walkway will soon begin, with completion scheduled for the end of the year.
