lizard news
8th April 2025
Katikati & Ōmokoroa
Caring about loCal Community matters from te Puna to Waihī beaCh
ECHO Walking Festival alking is one of the best ways to explore, connect with nature, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being outdoors. Whether it’s a forest stroll, a guided bush walk, or a chance to learn about the land, the ECHO Walking Festival has something for everyone. To the 22nd April, ECHO offers over 45 guided walks from the Kaimais to the Coromandel, with fantastic options in your surrounding neighbourhoods. Designed for all ages and abilities, these walks are an opportunity to step outside, slow down, and discover something new. For families looking for something fun and flexible, the ECHO Explorers Bingo Challenge is a fun selfguided activity running throughout the festival. Perfect for kids and families, it turns an everyday walk into an exciting adventure as participants tick off discoveries along the way. You can even nab yourself a medal at the end. For those after a guided experience, the Waitekohekohe Kids Educational Walk is a great way for young explorers to engage with the environment. Led by experienced guides, this interactive walk encourages children to spot wildlife, learn about the bush,
W
Enjoy a fungi walk in Aongatete.
and develop a connection with nature. The Aongatete Night Walk offers a unique way to experience the forest after dark. Walkers will listen for nocturnal wildlife, search for glow worms, and take in the magic of the bush under the cover of night. It’s a special way to see nature from a new perspective. For those fascinated by fungi, the Fungi Walk is a must. This gentle, engaging walk takes participants through the forest to uncover the many varieties of fungi that thrive in our native bush, from delicate toadstools to glowing mushrooms. For those looking for more of a challenge, the festival features longer hikes that push endurance and reward walkers with stunning views. These tracks follow historic routes, climbing steep terrain and crossing rivers to reach breathtaking ridgelines and panoramic vistas.
A highlight of the ECHO Walking Festival is that all walks are guided, meaning there’s no need to navigate or worry about missing key sights - just turn up and enjoy. Whether you want to meet new people, learn something new, or simply explore safely, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors. With over 45 walks available, there’s something for everyone, whether it’s a relaxed family outing, a scenic bush walk, or an adventurous hike. This festival is about stepping outside, slowing down, and making the most of the stunning landscapes around us. All walks must be booked online, so visit www.echowalkfest.org.nz to secure your place. Bring the kids, invite some friends, or take a moment for yourself - adventure is waiting just beyond your doorstep. Article supplied.
Ōmokoroa health shuttle s it time for Ōmokoroa to have its own health shuttle? This was the question asked recently by Ōmokoroa Rotarian Allan Dickey. As a result, Rotary has decided to put the question to the community. With a rapidly growing population and many at an age where access to Tauranga health services is a concern, Ōmokoroa Rotary Club is looking at taking on the project if there is sufficient community interest. Allan has approached St John, which currently operates some 60 health shuttle services throughout New Zealand. While keen to help, Allan understands that St John is fully committed in the health shuttle field, with an extensive community waiting list.
I
Devil’s Staircase on Mayor Island. PHOTOS: Supplied
TRUSTED. LOCAL. PROVEN.
www.yourrealestate.co.nz
Your Real Estate under the REAA 2008
Other nearby centres, Katikati and Te Aroha, now operate their own independent health shuttle services. These valued community projects are understood to operate under registered Charitable Trusts, using volunteer drivers. Patients with specialist appointments book a seat on the shuttle and make a financial contribution towards operating costs. The service operates from door to door. Rotary believes that “If they can do it, we can do it”, but community support will be essential. Please let Rotary or Lizard News know your thoughts. Email omokoroarotary@gmail.com Article supplied.
Ōmokoroa Katikati
look out for more inside ...