WW1 Monument gets help from joint partnership

The stone obelisk overlooking the town was built after the First World War to commemorate soldiers from the area who had fallen in battle.

For years the bush surrounding the WW1 Monument on Waiotahi Creek Road has been filled with weeds and rubbish including beer bottles and tyres.

The land adjoining the monument belonging to the Department of Conservation (DOC) has had a spruce up, with Council and the Waikato Regional Council mucking in to tidy up the area.

DOC Services Ranger Nick Hamon said, "We have had wonderful support from the residents on Albert Street. With the old trees and weeds removed they are now getting sun on their houses in winter."

DOC have put in place a management agreement for the site. A weed control and planting programme have been designed by Wildland Consultants from Rotorua, to ensure the best possible restoration of the site while maintaining the light for the residents of Albert Street.

An archaeological report was done on the site. The only area highlighted in the report was a midden at the base of the old track. Council is in the process of mapping out a route for the track and are talking to Allan Bernsten of Walkway Solutions to decide on the best way to form the track.

The site will be ready for the first of the community plantings in 12 - 18 months.

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