Spruce up of popular Ruapehu District swim spot getting underway

Horizons Regional Council is working with Raetihi Promotions to spruce up a popular swim spot on the Makotuku River in the Ruapehu District.

The spruce up is part of a number of activities Horizons undertakes to promote its yearly summer monitoring programmes and swim spot campaign.

Horizons river management area engineer Wayne Spencer says the spruce up for the Ruapehu District was originally considered for Cherry Grove and the Channels in Taumarunui, however following local conversations around suitability of the sites was moved to Raetihi.

“Local community group Raetihi Promotions have been working on a project to enhance the walkway that runs along the Makotuku River for a number of years,” says Mr Spencer.

“Thanks to their hard work with landscaping, planting and general improvement of the walkway, the area is really taking shape.

“It made sense to build on this by sprucing up the popular Snookerbob swim spot that can see up to 100 people visit on a nice day. Horizons has also assisted with enhancement work in the past and has an established relationship with the group.”

Mr Spencer says the spruce up will include a BBQ, picnic table and changing shed structure, with Raetihi Promotions organising for a shelter over the picnic table as well.

“Due to COVID-19 we are getting this work underway later than expected, however we are hoping to pour the concrete areas for the facilities in the next week or so,” he says.

“The changing shed will have information about Horizons’ swim spot monitoring programme and water safety. We will also discuss with Raetihi Promotions having some information about the area included as well.”

The spot is one of over 80 included in Horizons’ summer monitoring programme which normally takes place between November and April each year, with results published weekly on its website.

“Ngāti Rangi collect water samples testing for bacteria in the Ruapehu District, including this site,” says Mr Spencer.

“We are pleased to have their support of the spruce up, as well as Uenuku Trust’s. All going to plan the spot will be finished in a few weeks and ready for people to use when summer returns.”

Another part of Horizons swim spot campaign, the #swiminourregion photo competition, will have the winner announced soon.