Rakiura Run for the Butterfields Beach community-led project

Kia Ora everyone, on the 3rd of October 2020 I am going to complete a 33km trail run on the spectacular Rakiura track here on Stewart Island to raise funds for a community project I have been leading. (Note the official Rakiura Challenge 2020 has been cancelled due to covid-19, but I am still planning on running the track that day to raise money for this project!)

Butterfields Beach Project.

Over the last year or so myself and a small team of helpers have been liaising with the local community board, Lions club and the Southland District Council to smooth out the proposal and plans to enhance the Butterfields Beach picnic area, and turn it into a well thought out and inviting recreation area. This will not only benefit the local community but visitors to Rakiura as well. Our plan is to tidy up the area around the swings and picnic table at Butterfields beach, and is proposed to be done in three stages subject to fundraising.

Stage 1) Drainage, parking area and some landscaping at the roadside end of the section. Extend concrete pad under the existing picnic table for a 6x4m shelter foundation. Construct shelter.

Stage 2) BBQ and possible additional play equipment

Stage 3) The landscape development plan is ongoing with community consultation. As part of the community development plan a footpath is to be constructed from the intersection at Hicks Rd, linking down to the Butterfields picnic area. An application for a toilet facility is in the long-term plan, subject to council approval.

It has been fantastic to talk to many likeminded locals who support this idea, and it is exciting to be getting this underway.

To date we have raised a total of $31,500 through fundraising and local grants.

Your donation will support this community led project! And hopefully we can all be BBQing together in the future 😊

Nga mihi

Leah x