Estuary viewing platform opens

A viewing platform built with a bequest to the Ashley-Rakahuri Rivercare Group (ARRG) from the Annie Currie Legacy Fund has been formally opened to the public at the Ashley-Rakahuri River Estuary.

During the opening at Waikuku Beach, near Kaiapoi, last Friday ARRG chairwoman Sue Mardon said Annie, who died in October 2021, aged 71, had a passion for preserving and protecting natural environments and asked the trustees of her fund to ‘‘make a difference’’ in those areas.

‘‘Annie, who lived in Christchurch, was unknown to our organisation, but her Nelson trustees, said she had a deep love for the flora and fauna of the South Island and was very supportive of grassroots, community-based conservation projects, especially those caring for endangered wildlife,’’ Sue said.

‘‘She saw that projects which were restoring natural habitats were very much needed at this time. We were honoured to receive part of Annie’s legacy. We envisage this platform being used by our birding members to share with the public their knowledge of birds present,’’ Sue said.

‘‘The platform is already being used by local walkers as a place to sit, rest, reflect, and talk.’’

Sue said ARRG members were also grateful for the support they received from the Waimakariri District Council, and senior biodiversity ranger, Mike Kwant for working through the process to obtain the necessary building and resource consents for the platform.

‘‘Our thanks also to ARRG member Robert Clark for his project management skills and construction expertise to erect this platform, as well as his helpers including Luke, Nick, Bob, Jo, and Bruce. I also acknowledge the gift of te reo from Lynne Harata Te Aika, chairwoman of Nga ¯i Tu ¯a ¯huriri Education for the platform plaque wording.’’

Waimakariri District Council staff are in the process of producing an interpretation sign to identify birds that may been seen in this area. The sign will be outside of, but readable, from the platform.

One of the trustees of Annie’s fund, Peter Taylor, said the platform was a ‘‘substantial achievement’’ and will bring delight to people.

‘‘Annie was a big fan of delight, and loved bird life so she would be very happy with your group’s creation. Many hearty congratulations to everyone in the Ashley-Rakahuri Rivercare Group for doing this.’’

A group of Annie’s friends, including Ruth Cochrane and Dianne Fenwick attended the opening and both said she would be pleased with what her bequeathment had achieved.

Waimakariri Deputy Mayor Philip Redmond officially opened the platform, cutting the red ribbon with Sue.

Annie’s generous bequest has left a lasting gift to the people of Waimakariri, he said.

‘‘It is a legacy that will continue to give back, not just today, but for generations to come. The platform provides safe and accessible views over one of the South Island's most important bird habitats, an ecological gem right here on our doorstep. Projects like this remind us what can be achieved when community spirit, environmental stewardship and generosity come together.’’