A Rotary partnership has brought together the Rotary Clubs of Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Morrinsville and Matamata on a joint District Grant project to build 16 shelters on the Trail network.

Article by PDG Grant Spackman, Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator

The Hauraki Rail Trail is a short drive from Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga and is accessible from the towns of Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Waihi and Matamata. Cyclists enjoy 160km of contrasting landscapes from the lush farming country of the Hauraki Plains to the Karangahake Gorge and tunnel. Ending with a gentle ride south through Te Aroha to Matamata, hometown of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Among the many local community initiatives that take place along the Hauraki Rail Trail, the Rotary Shelters project celebrates 100 years of service by our organisation in New Zealand. This Rotary partnership has brought together the Rotary Clubs of Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Morrinsville and Matamata to build 16 shelters on the Trail network.

The shelters are of a uniform design and include seating and interpretation panels providing trail users with information about the area. Rotarians are involved in the site preparation and installation of the 16 flat packs assembled by Rotary members and community volunteers. The shelters are themed as mini rail stations with the Rotary Wheel and signage on each shelter.

The Clubs received District Grants from The Rotary Foundation to support the cost of the shelters in each of their areas. Collectively they have sourced funding from several local and national organisations. In addition to the shelters, there have been additional expenses including landscaping and site development. 

The following report on the preparation of one such shelter by volunteers from Te Aroha and Morrinsville Rotary Clubs shows that the Rotary spirit is alive and well:

“We met at Tapu at 10am and onto Steves. Kelvin brought up his 8 wheeler with a crane. However he couldn’t get it up there. Luckily Harley, Steve’s new neighbour, has a tandem trailer and Ford tractor. Kelvin was confident his truck could take all the materials in one load. So we broke down the pallets and trailered it all down to the truck. Had a drinks and nibbles at Steves, then dropped off the shelter at Campbell Road. Peter has organised his old cow shed which offers good protection and power. Kit setting to start next week.”

More than 140,000 cyclists enjoy the experience of the Hauraki Rail Trail every year. The Rotary shelters will provide a much needed addition to this impressive tourist attraction that contributes to the entire district.