Aim

Press, 11 March 1983, Page 13

Aim

The New Zealand Walkway Commission and its 12 district committees are holding a national Walk Week from March 13 to March 20. The aim is to encourage walking as a healthy and pleasant recreation, and to publicise the walking opportunities available. A previous Walk Week with the same aim was held in 1980, and proved “highly successful,” according to the commission’s chairman, Mr P. H. C. Lucas. In the seven years, more than 75 walkways have been opened, covering a distance of more than 640 km. A complementary network of walkways is being established by local authorities. Because many of the walkways established so far are close, to urban areas, they do not usually involve more than half a day’s walk. These short walks range from coastal tracks to walks over farmland and through native bush, and Mr Lucas says they have proved “very popular” with family groups. During Walk Week, 16 new walkways will be officially opened throughout the country. These include the Waimairi Walkway, the Lake Kaniere Walkway in Westland, and others at Opihi, Fairlie and Otaio to the south of Christchurch, and Picton and Cable Bay to the north. As many of the walkways cross farmland, the goodwill of farmers has been crucial to the success of the programme, and Mr Lucas says that the commission has been greatly impressed by the cooperation shown by both landowners and local authorities. The walkway concept is essentially a co-operative venture in which the landowner’s consent must be obtained voluntarily. The district walkway committee is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the walkway, the work often being shared with the adjoining local body. From March 12 to' 20, the St James Walkway, a four to five-day tramp near Lewis Pass, will have extra staff on duty in the huts and car parks. The staff will be there to offer advice, keep an eye on cars at both entrances, and supply hot “brews” in the huts. Newmans and N.Z.R. Road Services run buses to both the Boyle River entrance and Lewis Pass.