Mayor opens new track

"My dream is that Auckland becomes the most beautiful city in the world.

"The Waiheke Local Board's dream  is to have 67 kilometres of walking tracks around this beautiful island  something that  could probably be delivered in a shorter time frame than mine, but I will race you!''

That was Auckland Council mayor Len Brown's challenge at the official opening of the 3km walking track linking Awaawaroa and Passage Rock.

Mr Brown and his wife Shan joined members of the Waiheke Local Board, Waitemata and Gulf councillor Mike Lee, owner of Te Matuku peninsula Rob Fenwick, members of Forest and Bird, Ngati Paoa representatives and around 30 walkers at the top of Puke O Kai on Saturday morning.

After a Powhiri performed by Pirihira Kaio on behalf of Ngati Paoa, Mr Brown started his speech in te reo, paying tribute to ancient Maori who had lived  on the land up to 900 years ago.

The mayor also acknowledged Mr Lee and board members' `"ove and passion for Waiheke'' and paid tribute to Auckland Council parks staff, in particular Gary Wilton, for their hard work in keeping Waiheke so beautiful.

"The island is where I came for my first holidays with my wife Shan and it is dear to my heart as I have very fond memories here,'' he says.

The new track winds its way from Awaawaroa Rd near Poderi Crisci vineyard to Orapiu Rd near Passage Rock vineyard.

It features regenerating forest, a mature kauri stand and breathtaking views, in particular from the 155 metre high mount Puke O Kai.

It can be tramped by walkers of all ages, but the first 20 minutes starting from Awaawaroa contains a very steep part that could  be difficult for some.

It took Tony King-Turner, his son Julian and Kym Rawson from Oasis Landscapes four months to create the walkway, funded by the former Waiheke Community Board.

Mr Fenwick says: "They have done an amazing job and I am glad to be able to share with the public the beauty of this land which I was privileged enough to acquire many years ago.''

He says  he wants people to come into Auckland rather than bypassing the city, and Waiheke is part of that.

"I want them to stay here for five or six days, not only in beautiful Onetangi, Palm Beach or Little Oneroa, but to come here and experience the extraordinary beauty of this island in its entirety,'' he says.

The gathering walked the track to Passage Rock  after the ceremony where officials shared a lunch.