National recognition of a small Queenstown Lakes District community should be viewed with pride by the entire district, QLDC Mayor Vanessa van Uden said.

The Gibbston Community has been named the Mitre 10 Community of the Year at the New Zealander of the Year Awards ceremony - the ultimate acknowledgement of a job well done.

“An association of no more than 100 members spent six years bucking setbacks, challenges and frustrations to deliver its vision of an iconic walkway. This was an extraordinary effort resulting in an asset that can now be enjoyed by the entire country,’ Mayor van Uden said.

At a cost of $1.4 million, the 8.5km walkway along the banks of the Kawarau River and featuring multiple bridges, picnic areas and breathtaking views, was officially opened in December.

The walkway was formed despite multiple landowners and challenging terrain through dense gorse, across deep ravines and along sheer bluffs.

“With association chairwoman Susan Stevens at the helm, this project was literally delivered through blood sweat and tears, national recognition could not be more fitting,’ Mayor van Uden said.

In particular, Ms Stevens, who was singled out at the opening with the presentation of an unexpected citation from the Mayor, should feel enormously proud of what had been achieved.

Mayor van Uden also recognised that the walkway was not the only achievement by the community, which now boasted a community reserve, complete with community fruit trees and cricket oval and an attractive rest area for visitors.

“As a district we have been inspired by the achievement of the Gibbston Community. I am delighted that through this national acknowledgement, all of New Zealand has seen what can be achieved, by small communities, through sheer determination and commitment.”

Mayor van Uden hoped that people from throughout New Zealand would make a note to visit Gibbston and experience the walkway first hand.

“This award has sealed the Gibbston walkway’s position on the kiwi ‘must do’ list,” she said.

ENDS
For more information please contact Vanessa van Uden 03 441 0499.

By: Andrea Bunting