Sharplin Falls track takes big step forward
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
There was bound to be a feeling of relief for the Mt Somers Walkways Society last week, not that they would easily admit it.
Society president Charles Ross said the crucial part of the new Sharplin Falls Walkway was completed with the two almost 30m-long steel bridges installed by helicopter over the last two weeks.
“We are relieved to get through this stage,” Ross said.
“It’s been over five years to get to this stage and there is plenty of work still to be done before the track can open.
“The scaffolding will go out soon and the timber steps and lookout will be constructed, as well as finishing the track shingling.”
The complex bridge installation was led by Fulton Hogan and Ross said they have done an outstanding job in difficult conditions.
“They spent the last six weeks walking in and out most days.”
The society is eager to get people back visiting the “local treasure destination” but until the track is completed and receives DOC sign off it remains closed to the public he said.
Rockfalls on the track during and after the 2011 earthquakes meant that DOC permanently closed the track due to safety concerns in 2017.
Following extensive consultation with DOC and geologists, the society has undertaken to build the new track itself.
The cost of the two steel bridges has made up the bulk of the cost of the project, which is estimated to be around $470,000, which has all been raised by the society.
That is why there was likely a few nerves ahead of bridge installation, the “crux of the project”, and some relief they are in place, and the Society is closing in on completion.
Along the journey the Society received $5000 as a Community Projects Grant from the Ashburton District Council in 2020-21 to help cover resource and building consent costs for the new walkway, and a further $7500 from the council in 2022-23.
*Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air
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Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
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