Volunteers from Woodville School, the Woodville Lions Club and Meridian Energy joined members of the public on Saturday, 18 January, for a guided walk along the route of the NZ Transport Agency’s Manawatū Gorge Road replacement, Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway.
Around 700 people took part in the walk, which was a fundraiser for an upgrade of the school’s playground and other Lions community betterment projects in the area. The adventurous trek included a tough climb from the Ashhurst end of the route, steep descents through Boltons’ Farm, and a scenic traverse through Meridian Energy’s Te Apiti Wind Farm.
Walk coordinator Paul Cleghorn said he was very pleased with the results, noting the fantastic support from NZ Transport Agency and Meridian Energy with pre-event organisation and volunteers on the day.