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."
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.4% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
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