Let’s Walk Around Lake Hakanoa Walkway

Take a walk around Lake Hakanoa in Huntly. The history, the dedication by residents and the support of the Waikato District Council - along with key funders - has transformed this wilderness into Huntly’s most sought after attraction. The entrance to the 3.62 kilometre  walkway is at the end of Park Avenue in Huntly Domain. Maps of Huntly (at no charge) are available at the Waikato Information Centre 160 Great South Road. Once inside the Huntly Domain two conspicuous Pou (Totem Poles) beside the lake are clearly visible. They signify the walkway entrance. From the car park a winding paved track takes us to the entrance proper. It is appropriately representative of the mighty Waikato River. On the side of the Pou are two koru-shaped brick walls in a garden setting. Beside the same Pou is a small whare (house) and attached to its walls on one side is Huntly artist, Valeta Mathias’s portrayal of Huntly through Maori eyes. The panels on the other side consist of (A) the history of the lake and (B) details of the many zones that can be observed on the circuit around the walkway. From here on the circuit is wheel-chair friendly and the entire walkway with edging and packed-down metal has been the result of a pro-active group named the Friends of Lake Hakanoa Walkway. Their aims and objectives are in tandem with those of the Waikato District Council and the result is a wonderful portrayal of what can be achieved when two such bodies work together with a common vision. W.D.C. Mayor Peter Harris not only endorses the achievements but also walks around the circuit every week.

A short walk on in an anti-clockwise direction we reach the Huntly College Native Tree Reserve. The college initiated the concept to have 40 native trees planted and enable schools in the district to get close-up to some of our more well known native trees. Each tree was sponsored and those sponsors have their names recorded on a large bill-board in the centre of the area. One of the features of this zone, especially for those unfamiliar with native trees, is the recording of the trees common names along with their Latin names on the bill-board. All trees are numbered both on the bill-board and with pegs at the base of the trees to enable all visitors to obtain a rapid-knowledge learning-curve if they so wish.

A hundred metres further on is the Seibu Bunri Japanese Garden. The name arises from a school close to Tokyo who visited the site in 2005 with 230 students. The students presented the walkway with six Cherry Blossoms and planted them adjacent to the area – thus the Seibu Bunri Gardens started to emerge. The next four years have seen further classes from the same High School arrive with cameras at the ready – they propose to continue such visits indefinitely at this stage - and provided further enhancements to the area. In 2007 the walkway committee decided to seek the best possible expertise in the field of Japanese Gardens and Gary Bjerring was contracted to provide concept drawings and initiate the establishment of these specific gardens. As the materials required for such an enterprise would be vulnerable to vandalism, funding was obtained to fence the entire area off. Concept drawings became approved and in 2008 the vision started to take shape. 20 tonnes of South Westland rocks were selected by Gary and railed to the site. A replica of Mount Fuji was created, pathway pebbles brought in from Te Kuiti, water pipes dug into the ground for the water features, the first of several bridges built and the overall infra-structural work started particularly with earthmoving. Garry broke the whole project down into 17 elements. Currently 11 of these elements have been completed and funding for a further three is on hand to complete them in the next few months. The end result will display the genuine Japanese Garden which in turn should appear as if nature has dropped in and let it establish itself – albeit with a little assistance.

Immediately after leaving the Seibu Bunri Garden we meander along the walkway for 200 metres. The entire zone has been left to continue its regeneration without interference from man. The short length track is appropriately named the McMillan Walk. In 1972 Noel McMillan was a teacher at Huntly Primary School. He also had a passion for plants and was a part-time nurseryman. The kids knew the rules and if they behaved well for teacher he may make a special dispensation to allow them some extra science time periodically. In the warmer weather the incentive was readily responded too and the wily McMillan – with the forecast for warm weather – would plan to get truck-loads of spoil and metal into the area now named after him. Gradually the ‘volunteer labour’ worked its way along the 200 metres of winding bush land. Spades and shovels cleared the land and the same instruments were used to fill wheel-barrows of spoil and metal to create the track. Not only was this to become a special treat for those concerned but it also opened the way and provided a short-cut to town for pedestrians from a small portion of Huntly when the Croft Terrace subdivision was established. Other than the occasional clipping of branches nature will determine the future of the landscape surrounding the McMillan Walk.

A sharp turn to the left and we enter the WEL Energy Trust Global Gardens. Funded by the WEL Energy Trust the concept of nine different gardens in the one area representing different parts of the world, was one that the imaginative walkway committee was easily convinced to subscribe to.  The continent shape gardens arose from input by local resident Bryce Mounsey. The reality for the New Zealand garden to be established with twice as many trees as the area provided meant that the New Zealand garden was extended to two components. Another ‘problem’ arose with residents wanting to donate plants as a gesture to the project. Hence a donated trees area of native plants was also established in the same zone. Obstacles soon arose once the gardens were completed including the difficulty of grass-cutting on the steep terrain. Kiwi ingenuity solved that issue!  Water hoses, because of the prolific down-slopes, were essential and besides all the gardens in this area having weed-mat under the surface the need for a suitable water supply was paramount. Accordingly, a maze of alkathene pipes and fittings were established underground. This proved so successful that the actual water requirements are minuscule if monitored diligently.

The most difficult zone to plan is next on our walk. The Environment Waikato Wild Life Area. The boggy nature of the land on the lakeside caused the track to slip and it was re-done. The area was effectively swamped in Willows. Many of hese were removed and the subsequent new growth of numerous other species of trees and plants emerged, once they saw their first sun-light. This factor had not been adequately anticipated. The 600 metres of this swampland was transformed beyond recognition. World renowned botanist, David Bellamy, was readily consumed with the area and spent a considerable amount of time there when he visited in 2006. To the right, walking around the track is an area predominantly still covered in willows. Immediately behind these willows and to the east is a natural lake where large numbers of water-fowl live and breed. Plans are in place to develop this lake/pond for viewing as a future project after the rest of the walkway has been completed. Ideas such as a look-out tower have been mooted and will be considered in due course as funding becomes available.

As we leave the bog lands behind we cross a bridge that the Lions Club of Huntly built and erected in 1999. It was initially essential in order to cross the creek. With run-off from the local hills it now has a dual purpose of drainage and a viewing platform. From here we enter Palm Beach. Much credit in this area goes to local retailer, Murray Allen. His idea of having a Palm Beach certainly raised some eyebrows. The transformation here from what was, to what is, is remarkable. Entering and exiting the open beach will be through an enclosed avenue of native Nikau Palms and bird feeding flowering Kowhia. The selection of the large Queen Palms and there positioning make a statement themselves. All the other varieties of Palms enclosing a rest area were sourced from as close to the local area as practical. A colourful background of camellias contrasts with the Palms. The Palms showing from across the Lake stand out against the farm backdrop and the hill behind which is zoned as eventual Public reserve. The jetty positioned on a rocky headland in the centre of the natural sand beach provides another viewing platform and young children are often seen testing their fishing skills from this jetty. There is considerable optimism that Lake Hakanoa will be used as a pilot scheme to eradicate carp and other problems associated with the quality of water that is in the lake. Once that has been completed the probability of relatively clear water and fish that do not need to constantly ‘dredge’ the lakes base is eagerly awaited.
Meanwhile, Palm Beach, even without the luxury of using the beach for recreational purposes, is becoming more picturesque by the year.

Leaving Palm Beach we travel through what is to develop into a majestic Kahikatea avenue. On the right are a thousand bird enhancement native trees whose collective seeds and berries cross all four seasons of the year. Once past them we reach an area that has been designed by, planted by, and maintained by plant propagator Noel McMillan. This Bog Garden & Boardwalk is still a work in progress and its creator has carefully blended in all the species of plants that assist to fulfill his vision. The boardwalk is used constantly by those traversing the walkway and it includes two picture panels of the most dominant birds that can be seen on Lake Hakanoa. Another feature of this area is that of the constantly changing colours with many of the plants throughout the year. The natural drainage from the hills has been enhanced with rocky stream beds opening into Water-lily-filled man-made canals to the lake. An alternative track along the Lake edge from the Boardwalk, established by one of the more senior committee members, Eddie Jones, takes you past the back of the next two zones.

A random area is next where plants have been growing for many years. It also includes more recently planted bird-enhancement trees. Beyond them we reach the Genesis Energy Gardens. These gardens are the result of generous support from Genesis Energy and the combined creativity of members of the walkway committee particularly Sheryl Staines and Phyl Webber. The arched garden lay-outs at the rear have been designed to provide an appropriate back-drop and are completed with their own watering system. Power has been connected to this area for future utilisation and the entire area can be lit up at night if required. The path through the centre of the gardens, along with its brick columns and overhead bracing add character and status to area. Towards the end of this same path a sundial has been built locally and is a tribute to the late Vic Hannam. Ten organisations that he worked tirelessly for all contributed to the sundial. Daylight-saving adjustments have even been considered in this feature. The two large circular gardens in the same zone have been created to add credence to the passive recreational aspects. The brick walls of these circular gardens are at sitting height and help make the entire area a contemplative rest-stop.

Moving on to the next zone has been named Rahui Pokeka Gardens (meaning is explained inside the whare at the walkway entrance). A proposal is currently afoot to have it renamed the Te Ataarangikahu Gardens in memory of the previous Maori Queen,The significance of this area cannot be understated as it was here that Hakanoa (also expanded on at the walkway entrance) gained its name. The billboards trace the arrival of Maori to New Zealand and, particular emphasis is justifiably given to those Waka (Canoe) that made up the great migration. The tribes represented on those Waka have their own history which is just as much alive in the 21^st century as it was then. We will have portrayed this on the proposed billboards and trust that locals and visitors alike will become more knowledgeable through this depicture of the Tangata Whenua.(local people) If such knowledge is merely revised the boards will have served their purpose.

The koru-shaped (unfurling fern) paths in this modern designed area are symbolic of and lead to the sacred Maui stone in the centre and the joining of the paths. All trees are natives that were around hundreds of years ago. Whilst the concept plans are modern they still retain the spirituality of their intent which is, to represent in a small area the Tangata Whenua from 950 to the present day. Our grateful thanks to the local Kaumatua (Elders) who have been instrumental in enabling this to be created.

The other side of the car park and adjacent to the Rahui Pokeka Gardens is the entrance to the Green Cathedral – a separate article has been prepared for this exquisite feature hence the abbreviated comments here. The Green Cathedral is synonymous with two walkway committee members, Phyl and Colin Webber. It was their vision. Their hard sell was irresistible and the persuasiveness of getting the walkway committee to raise the money, and they would do the rest was undeniable. From concept to completion the entire project took six months. It was indeed gut wrenching, yet appropriate, for the committee to see this area with its objective of creating a space for contemplation and remembrance, used for the funeral of Colin Webber only two years later.

Beyond the Green Cathedral lies the Ponga Grove. It has a number of well established trees including pongas that provide much of the areas ambience and shade. Ferns and Pongas (tree ferns) have been carefully planted and nurtured throughout the area. Sheryl Staines has been instrumental in the designing and creativity of the entire area. The retired florest has a penchant for native trees and has her own private garden backing onto the Ponga Grove in line with the back entrance to the Green Cathedral. More detail required and will see Sheryl for ideas. The residents whose sections face the walkway have made great efforts to enhance their gardens and provide individual changing landscapes.

After walking through the Ponga Grove we reach Cabbage Tree Point. This wetland has been retained in its natural state as far as has been possible. Additional Cabbage trees have been planted but once again every effort has been made to retain the natural ambience of the area. A narrow track meanders through the early part of this section and reaches a distinctly “Heath Robinson” structured resting seat. As with other features on the walkway this particular spot is serene and ideally suited for an area of contemplation. To those observing Cabbage Tree Point its transformation has been most obvious to those staying at or visiting the adjoining Caravan Park. As with other areas of the walkway it also reflects the work planned and carried out by the late Vic Hannam and epitomises the man who spent so much time here making it as aesthetically pleasing as it is.

Crossing a small bridge takes us back to the multi sports Huntly Domain, with 400 metres to walk along the lake edge to the walkway entrance where we started. Two features before reaching the end of the journey are well worth noting. In both cases, they too, are a reflection of the vibrant community that Huntly has become in the 21st century. One is the Genesis Energy Swimming complex with its enclosed and heated swimming pool. No town in New Zealand - with such a small population - has a heated swimming complex as sophisticated as this pool. This has emerged through several key factors. Generous funding support, a cooperative district council and residents who have passionately embraced the concept since it was first mooted. The other feature is the local Lions Rotunda. Again this is a case of a community driven project with a group of resident members belonging to the Lions club, having a vision and painstakingly pursuing it to its completion. It is truly unique to have such healthy and relaxing amenities attached to the commercial centre of a community.