Historic Denniston access reopens in Northern Buller
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Historic access to the Denniston Incline in Northern Buller has reopened after being closed since Cyclone Dovi in February 2022.
The access, administrated by the Department of Conservation, became unstable as slips came down during the cyclone.
Conns Creek Rd provides access to the foot of the historic Denniston Incline, just inland from Waimangaroa.
The road was once the track bed for a 2.7km branch railway from Waimangaroa to take coal coming down the Denniston Incline for transport the Westport wharves.
The incline, once described as "the eighth wonder of the world", worked from 1880 until its closure in 1967.
It is administered within the DoC Denniston heritage area.
Conns Creek Rd is also the route for the Buller District Council water supply pipeline to the settlement of Waimangaroa.
The road closed while repairs were carried out on significant slips caused by Cyclone Dovi.
DOC Buller area manager Suvi van Smit said the road had about 10 slips along its length, or one slip about every 100m.
"It also affected the water line to Waimangaroa. The track is now open to the public."
However, while pedestrians could now get in, it was not yet suitable for ordinary vehicle access, van Smit told the West Coast Conservation Board.
DOC was working with Heritage New Zealand on historic stone culverts along the road.
The Buller District Council started a $2.3m project in September 2022 to replace its water line, which was completed in winter 2023.
Meanwhile the nearby historic Britannia Track, also administered by DOC, has been closed since early 2021 following a major slip on a rock overhang about 1.2km from the car park.
The historic 12km long pack track leads to the historic Britannia stamper battery towards the Denniston Escarpment.
Board member John Taylor asked if the department had now "written off" the track.
Van Smit said the main erosion problem was at the bottom end of the track due to stream incursion but there were also "large slips" along the track.
"It's very unsafe but due to be reassessed in February."
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
-
64% Yes
-
33.4% No
-
2.5% Other - I'll share below
Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!
What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
Loading…
