One year after the community first came together to talk about creating better trails for Reefton, the Reefton Trail Collective has celebrated how much can be achieved when people get behind a shared vision.
Around 20 people gathered at Dawson’s Hotel on Friday evening for a night of quizzes, trail stories, shared kai and conversation, reflecting on the Collective’s first year and helping shape what comes next.
Over the past 12 months, the Reefton Trail Collective has become an incorporated society,
established its Trail Crew volunteer programme in partnership with the Department of Conservation, held nine working bees, contributed more than 272 volunteer hours, helped clear the Big River to Waiuta Track, supported Tour Aotearoa riders and received two awards at the Reefton Volunteer Awards.
The evening also celebrated the many volunteers, local businesses, community organisations and supporters who have helped make that progress possible. Guests heard stories from volunteers, local businesses and community members who have experienced the benefits of the Collective’s work.
Chairperson Jo Newburry said the evening was a reminder that the Collective has always been about the community. “It was wonderful to reflect on how far we’ve come together over the last year and to celebrate the people, partnerships, and volunteers that have made it all possible. As we look ahead, we’re excited to keep building on the momentum, working alongside our community to achieve our goals and create even more opportunities for people to enjoy and connect with our incredible trails.”
The Reefton Trail Collective now has 38 members and 27 inducted volunteers. The committee
says community involvement and transparency will continue to guide everything it does as it looks ahead to another year of improving and growing Reefton’s trail network. The Collective thanked everyone who has volunteered, sponsored, supported or cheered them on over the past year, saying the progress made so far has only been possible because the community has embraced the project from the beginning.
Follow the Reefton Trail Collective on Facebook to find out more.