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One Giant Chance! Help Protect and Expand Te Mata Park

  • Latest News on 'New Block' of land!

      17 March 2020
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    Lots has been happening over the last few months! We thought it was timely to send you, our valued campaign donors, an update of current progress.

    Work on the ‘new block’ is now well underway.

    • The resource consent application will be submitted soon, following recent consultation with neighbours and mana whenua. Once approved (hopefully by May), this will allow the track work to begin.

    • ProArbore have been working onsite over the last 2 weeks – taking advantage of the fact that Chambers Walk has been closed (due to the forestry project happening in the Park). They have made excellent progress, and will complete the work by early April. We are removing all pines and wattles, and a handful of unhealthy exotic species. However a good number of trees will still remain, providing important shade (including those along Chambers Walk).

    • We have been working on refining the track work plans. Some of our governance group met recently to assess the land, now that many of the pine trees have gone. Much easier to visualise the trails now! The next stage is that a more detailed plan will be created by Strata Group (thanks to their support), and proposed tracks will be marked out – for approval by the Board. A ‘safety in design’ assessment will also take place. We anticipate that there will be minor adjustments to the existing concept plan, ensuring that the walking tracks ‘blend in’ to the existing network of trails - but no changes of great magnitude (original concept plan here - http://tematapark.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Te-Mata-Peak-Park-Extension-Area-R4.pdf )

    • New boundary fencing will also go up in late April / May.

    • We are continuing to apply for funds for the future native tree plantings. However this years we have 6319 plants ordered, to go in the ground this planting season. Hardy, robust plants that will quickly grow and have a high likelihood of survival. Years 2 and 3 plantings will include more variety of species, and more quantity. Guy Morris is managing our landscaping programme.

    • There will be volunteer planting days happening on 11 and 25 July (proposed dates). We will keep you informed. However if you wish to put your hand up to volunteer, please email Emma on info@tematapark.co.nz

    We thank you once again for your wonderful support - and look forward to sharing this journey with you.

    Many thanks

    Te Mata Park Trust Board

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  • Invitation to view draft Concept Plan

      23 September 2019
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    Spring is here, and change is in the air!

    As a valued contributor to our One Giant Chance fundraising campaign, we would like to invite you to a special event, on this Wednesday.

    Over the last few months, we have been busy planning & working with stakeholders and our project governance group, in anticipation of opening the land to the public. Exciting times!

    A draft Concept Plan has been developed, integrating 4 hectares of native tree planting and 4.5 kms of track work.

    We invite you to view the draft Concept Plan and Timeline. This is an opportunity to offer your feedback and ask any questions you may have.

    Please join us on Wednesday 25 September at Peak House on Te Mata Peak Road. Drop in any time between 2.00pm and 6.30pm.

    ALL WELCOME

    Also please note that if you are unable to attend, the plans will be available to view on our website shortly after the function.

    Fundraising Update

    A whopping $1,250,000 was raised in order to purchase the new land (thanks to you and our incredibly generous local community!). However...much has been happening since then...

    We are currently working with various Charitable Trusts to secure funding for the development & restoration of the land. The current status;

    * $41,000 APPROVED (a private Charitable Trust in Auckland) - for directional and educational signage throughout the new land and existing Park

    * $1,000 APPROVED (HB Foundation) - to go towards fencing

    * $10,000 APPROVED of native trees (Trees That Count)

    * We are also awaiting the outcome of a $250,000 application to a local Charitable Trust (decision made in early October). This will enable us to put the plans in motion. Fingers crossed!

    * Further applications will be made in the coming month, for other aspects of the project.

    If you are interested in contributing to the projects on the new land, please contact our Park Manager on info@tematapark.co.nz.

    Ways that you could help:

    * Volunteer for our community planting days

    * Contribute financially

    * Donate product or supplies (e.g. fencing posts, native plants, limestone, etc)

    * Promote our project via your communication channels (sharing Facebook posts etc).

    We appreciate your support, and hope to see you on Wednesday afternoon.

    Thank you.

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  • Exciting news! Te Mata Park Now 108 Hectares

      31 July 2019
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    Te Mata Park Trust is now the proud owner of an additional 8.5 hectares of neighbouring land.

    ‘’The title of the land changed hands on Wednesday 31 July,’’ comments Mike Devonshire, Chairman of Te Mata Park Trust Board.

    ‘’We would like to thank everyone who has supported us throughout this project. This is a significant milestone in the history of Te Mata Park, and our local community played a huge part in making it happen.’’

    ’’Whilst this is a very exciting time for the Park, we would like to emphasise that public access to the new land is not permitted until later in the year,’’ adds Mr. Devonshire.

    ‘’Our project governance group and Park Manager have been working hard over recent months to establish a landscaping plan. We have also been communicating with local Charitable Trusts on securing the remaining $250,000 for projects on the new land, including planting native trees and building tracks that complement the rest of the Park.’’

    A timeline for the project has been developed. Initially the Park Trust intends to remove all large areas of pinus radiata and wattles, as well as extend the fence line bordering the neighbouring property. ‘’We want to create a wonderful native habitat for birdlife, with a professional re-vegetation plan, including manuka, kowhai, totara, titoki, kahikatea, flaxes and pigeonwood, amongst many other native plant species.’’

    ‘’It is essential that park users do not access the land over the next few months, for their safety and also to ensure work can take place without impact from foot or bike traffic,’’ adds Mr. Devonshire.

    The Trust Board is also pleased to report that $41,000 was recently approved by a charitable trust based in Auckland, for new directional and educational signage on both the new land, and the existing Park.

    ‘’Now that funding has been secured, we hope to get the new signage programme underway within the next few months,’’ comments Mr. Devonshire. ‘’We are very grateful to the trust for assisting us with this very important project.’’

    Other funding applications are also in the pipeline. ‘’We have three other applications being considered by local Charitable Trusts and will receive their feedback by September. This will allow us to progress the project swiftly.’’

    Varying levels of new walking tracks, a children’s mountain bike track and a new separate descent mountain bike track are in the proposed plans. ‘’We have also integrated a discreet and environmentally sensitive Sculpture Walkway, a Rongoa Garden, as well as several picnic areas. The potential for this beautiful block of land is quite exciting,’’ comments Mr. Devonshire.

    Officially launched in July 2018, the One Giant Chance campaign raised $1,250,000 to purchase 8.5 hectares of neighbouring land, located on the Havelock North side of Te Mata Peak, and between the two main car parks.

    ‘’This is a landmark occasion in the history of the Park. On behalf of all the Trust Board, we would like to thank everyone, from far and wide, for their support. We are delighted that the land is now part of Te Mata Park – the first time that the Park has been expanded since its beginnings in 1927.’’

    The Trust Board is continuing to accept donations, which will go towards native trees and trackwork on the new land.

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  • Recent Progress and Extension of GiveaLittle Date

      11 May 2019
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    It's an exciting time for all park users.

    The planning phase for the new land is well underway. We are talking to various Charitable Trusts about funding for the track work, native tree plantings and signage. The responses have been overwhelmingly positive.

    Last week, The Surveying Company HB donated their time and resources, and surveyed the new land. This mapping will enable us to create a professional and detailed landscaping map. Once the draft plan is completed, we will invite feedback from park users.

    The Trustees recently visited the land thanks to a guided tour from the current owner, and are planning the layout of tracks, that will complement our existing network.

    The settlement date for the new land is not until 31 July, so we are unable to begin work on the land until after then. However, all the planning is happening now!

    Once we start the work, it will be 'all hands on deck'!

    If you wish to volunteer your time for plantings / weed removal etc, then we would be delighted to hear from you. Please email Emma on info@tematapark.co.nz if you are interested in assisting.

    We are continuing to receive donations, for the projects on the land. Hence, the deadline for GiveaLittle has been extended to 31 July 2019.

    We will endeavour to keep you informed as the project progresses.

    Many thanks for your outstanding support.

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  • The Land Is Secured!

      1 May 2019
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    Thanks to your wonderful support, we are delighted to announce that the land purchase has now been secured! An outstanding outcome, and a true community effort.

    Please read below our recent media release, issued today:

    Te Mata Park’s fundraising campaign has successfully reached its first milestone, securing 8.5 hectares of new land for public use.

    ‘’We are delighted with the outcome and would like to thank each individual, organisation and business who has supported us. In just 10 months of fundraising, our local community has pulled together to make this a reality,’’ comments Mike Devonshire, Chairman of Te Mata Park Trust Board.

    ‘’We reached our target of $1.25 million late last night, with donations coming in at the eleventh hour. The contract with the vendor has now gone unconditional.’’

    Despite the impressive triumph in securing the land purchase, Mr. Devonshire is quick to note that the project still some way to go.

    ‘’We are now working towards the second stage of our project, which is to develop the land for public use, including trackwork and planting of native trees. We are looking to raise a further $250,000.’’

    The Trust Board will continue their fundraising efforts over the coming months, both locally and nationally. ‘’Now the land is secured we can now access many larger Charitable Trusts that were hitherto unavailable to us. The initial feedback from the Trusts has been overwhelmingly positive.’’

    Plans are also in the pipeline for a new track network incorporating varying levels of walking tracks and also a beginner mountain bike track aimed at children. The Trust Board will also work with experts on a native tree planting programme. ‘’The potential for this beautiful block of land is quite exciting,’’ comments Mr. Devonshire.

    Officially launched in July 2018, the One Giant Chance campaign raised funds to purchase 8.5 hectares of neighbouring land, located on the Havelock North side of Te Mata Peak, and between the two main car parks.

    A discreet and environmentally sensitive Sculpture Walkway has also been proposed. ‘’Integrating art, education, history and culture, we envisage that the story of Te Mata is reflected throughout a unique art experience,’’ adds Mr. Devonshire. ‘’ It would be entirely in keeping with the look & feel of the Park, using elements that reflect the environment.’’

    The Park Trust also aim to invest further in learning opportunities. ‘’The new land will enhance education around the unique flora and fauna, and cultural significance of the Park. Its location is accessible from both car parks, and therefore is ideal for school or youth groups to visit.’’

    ‘’With an increasingly busy Park and over 1 million visitors a year, this land will enable us to make the Park safer and more enjoyable for all.‘’

    ‘’The groundswell of support for our campaign has been very humbling. The volunteer Trust Board has worked tirelessly over the last year to make this project a reality, but it really took a community to get it across the line. It truly does reflect the depth of connection that people feel towards Te Mata Peak,’’ adds Mr. Devonshire.

    ‘’This is a huge milestone in the history of Te Mata Park. On behalf of all the Trust Board, we would like to thank everyone, from far and wide, for their support of our treasured Te Mata Park.’’

    The Trust Board is continuing to accept donations, which will go towards native trees and trackwork on the new land.

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  • The Final Day

      30 April 2019
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    After 9 months of community fundraising, we are now on the final day of raising money to buy 8.5 hectares of neighbouring land. What a journey! And what incredible support we have in our community.

    We are very, very, very close to our goal. There are several individuals confirming their level of support today, and the donations are still flowing in...even at this 11th hour!

    We are looking forward to making a positive announcement tonight.

    Thank you to everyone for your kind encouragement and support.

    From the team at Te Mata Park Trust Board

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  • Only $50,000 To Go!

      28 April 2019
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    In the last 24 hours, we have received notification of an outstanding $100,000 donation from an anonymous benefactor. We are absolutely delighted. Thanks to this incredibly generous contribution, our total is now $1,200,000. This means we only have $50,000 to go!

    We are currently in discussions with several individuals and businesses, who are considering their level of support. We are very confident that we will be able to make a positive announcement on Tuesday 30 April (our deadline). Watch this space! Thank you for your wonderful support.

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  • Progress as of 27 April!

      27 April 2019
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    WOW, what an overwhelmingly positive response we have received since our recent media release. We are delighted to announce that the donations have been flowing in, and we are now at $1,100,000. We have $150,000 to go to reach our goal!

    A number of local businesses and individuals are currently considering their level of major donor support. We are confident that our goal will indeed be reached, thanks to our community rallying behind us. We will make a further announcement on Monday 29th April regarding current status.

    Thank you for the support - from across New Zealand!

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  • Only $180,000 To Go!

      16 April 2019
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    Thanks to a ''flurry'' of incredibly generous donations, we are now even closer to our fundraising target! The total is now $1,070,000 (includes GiveaLittle, online donations, Charitable Trusts, fundraising events and company sponsorship).

    This means we need to raise a further $180,000 in order to secure the land purchase. With a few organisations and individuals currently considering their level of support, we are very confident that we will meet our target and deadline of 30 April.

    Only 2 weeks to go! And it's all systems go!

    Many thanks to everyone in our community (and beyond) for your outstanding support.

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  • One Giant Chance – The Goal Within Grasp!

      7 April 2019
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    A 9 month campaign to buy new land for Te Mata Park is now close to its target, following an announcement that just over $1 million has now been raised from the One Giant Chance fundraising campaign.

    Mike Devonshire, Chairman of Te Mata Park Trust, confirms that 80% of the required funds have now been pledged.

    “It’s exciting to see that our goal is within grasp,’’ comments Mr. Devonshire. ‘’We’ve got a final push to get us over the finish line and are reaching out to local businesses and the community for support.’’

    ‘’The land is under contract, and subject to meeting a finance condition of $1.25 million, by the end of April. Whilst the pressure is on, we’re confident that our target is now very much achievable. Final fundraising efforts will continue in earnest over the coming weeks.’’

    Mr. Devonshire says local business, families and individuals have thrown their support behind the campaign. ‘’We’re extremely thrilled to have received private donations of $50,000, $25,000 and $30,000 over the past week. A number of other families and businesses are currently considering their level of contribution.’’

    ‘’This groundswell of support is very humbling. Our donor family truly believe in our goal to further protect this taonga - this treasured landmass, for future generations to enjoy. They understand that we simply can’t miss out on this golden opportunity.’’

    Officially launched in July 2018, the One Giant Chance campaign aims to raise funds to purchase the 8.5 hectare block of land, located on the Havelock North side of Te Mata Peak, between the two main car parks.

    ‘’Being the most visited tourist attraction in Hawke’s Bay and with over 1 million visitors annually, our Park and our trails are becoming increasingly busier. Te Mata Park is hugely popular,’’ comments Mr. Devonshire.

    ‘’The extra land will make our Park safer. Chambers Walk, one of the main access routes in to the Park from Tauroa Road Car Park, is very congested, and this additional land will help ease the pressure. Walkers and bikers will continue to be separated on different tracks.’’

    Mr. Devonshire also comments that this new land will bring the Park closer to Havelock North, and further extend the bird corridor ‘Cape to City’ project from Cape Kidnappers.

    ‘’New walking tracks will be established, of varying gradients and technicality. A beginner mountain bike track is also intended, suitable for children. And a planting programme is being developed that will include manuka, ngaio, flaxes, kowhai and kawakawa, attracting more native birdlife.’’

    A discreet and environmentally sensitive Sculpture Walkway has also been proposed. ‘’Integrating art, education, history and culture, we envisage that the story of Te Mata is reflected throughout a unique art experience,’’ adds Mr. Devonshire. ‘’ It would be entirely in keeping with the look & feel of the Park, using elements that reflect the environment.’’

    The Park Trust also aim to invest further in learning opportunities. ‘’The new land will enhance education around the unique flora and fauna, and cultural significance of the Park. Its location is accessible from both car parks, and therefore is ideal for school or youth groups to visit.’’

    Mr. Devonshire is keen to emphasise the urgency of this goal. ‘’We have 4.5 weeks until the fundraising deadline. The volunteer Trust Board has worked tirelessly over the last year to make this project a reality, but we now need to pull together as a community to get it across the line.’’

    ‘’We will only get one crack at buying this neighbouring land. This is a huge milestone in the history of Te Mata Park. Our grandchildren and their children will reflect on this project as forward thinking and visionary.’’

    To donate, you can visit the Trust’s GiveaLittle page, or make a donation by cheque or online banking. All donations are tax deductible.

    ‘’Everyone can make a contribution, no matter how small. Even $10 will assist the Trust Board to purchase this piece of land that will enhance Te Mata Park forever,’’ adds Mr. Devonshire.

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  • Park Trust Welcomes $100,000 Donation

      18 February 2019
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    A substantial financial contribution to Te Mata Park’s One Giant Chance campaign will help significantly in reaching the Trust’s fundraising goal, says Park Chairman, Mike Devonshire.

    Te Mata Park Trust welcomed a donation of $100,000 last week, from a private South Auckland Charitable Foundation.

    ‘’We are delighted with this incredibly generous donation, which has notably bolstered our campaign, ensuring that our target is well within grasp,’’ comments Mr. Devonshire.

    Officially launched in July 2018, the One Giant Chance campaign aims to raise $1.25 million to purchase the 8.5 hectare neighbouring block of land, plus a further $250,000 to allow for track development and extensive planting of native trees.

    ‘’The Trust is extremely appreciative of the support we are receiving. This considerable contribution of $100,000 is a giant leap forward. The organization behind the donation understand that this is a once in a lifetime chance to enhance our treasured Park, and we must pull together as a community to make it happen.’’

    A spokesperson from the donating Charitable Trust, reiterates the importance of acquiring this stretch of land. ‘’Adding this parcel of land to the current holdings for the ongoing enjoyment of everyone is an opportunity that must not be missed.’’

    With a fundraising deadline of 30 April 2019, the Trust are confident that their target is now very much achievable.

    ‘’As of today, over $600,000 has been donated from our community, including private donors, local businesses, club events, GiveaLittle and Charitable Trusts. In addition, Hastings District Council have agreed to add an additional $320,000 via the outcome of the 2019 Annual Plan Consultation process, which we firmly believe will be viewed favourably by our local electorate. The combination of the $600,000 already secured and the $320,000 from Council takes us very close to the $1.25 million which is required to purchase the land.’’

    With recent statistics indicating that there’s over 1 million annual visits in a car alone, it is no wonder that the Park Trust Board are embracing this exciting initiative to expand the Park.

    ‘’Chambers Walk, which is accessed from Tauroa Car Park, is becoming increasingly congested. This land will allow us to widen that main entranceway in to the Park, therefore making it safer and more enjoyable for everyone,’’ explains Mr. Devonshire.

    ‘’New walking tracks will be established, of varying gradients and technicality. A beginner mountain bike track is also intended, suitable for children. And a planting programme is underway that will include manuka, ngaio, flaxes, cabbage trees and kawakawa, attracting more native birdlife.’’

    A discreet and environmentally sensitive Sculpture Walkway has also been proposed. ‘’Integrating art, education, history and culture, we envisage that the story of Te Mata is reflected throughout a tastefully designed art experience,’’ adds Mr. Devonshire. ‘’ It would be entirely in keeping with the look & feel of the Park, using elements that reflect the environment.’’

    ‘’We are on the home stretch of this fundraising campaign, with only a few months and just over three hundred thousand dollars left to go. We ask our community to please rally together and help us – as every dollar counts and makes a difference.’’

    If you are interested in supporting the One Giant Chance campaign (all donations are tax deductible), please contact the Trust Board on info@tematapark.co.nz

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  • Current status of fundraising

      11 January 2019
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    At this current stage, over $500,000 has been donated from our community, including private donors, local businesses, club events, GiveaLittle and local Charitable Trusts. In addition, Hastings District Council have agreed to add an additional $320,000 via the outcome of the 2019 Annual Plan Consultation process. We are confident that this will be welcomed by the local electorate.’

    These incredible numbers are a genuine reflection that people believe in our goal to further protect this landmass. Park users understand that this is a unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, that will truly enhance Hawke’s Bay’s most iconic natural asset, forever.

    We would like to thank everyone for their outstanding support.

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  • Extension of fundraising deadline

      11 January 2019
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    We are delighted to announce that our fundraising deadline has been extended to the end of April 2019, thanks to the incredible support from the existing landowner - who has agreed to an extension of the contract. Please support us as we continue to fundraise for this important cause. All help gratefully received.

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