Ūawa tamariki and rangatahi have been enjoying the community’s newest active recreation facility, the Ūawa Skate’n’Park Pump Track in Tolaga Bay, which was officially opened at the weekend. 

The pump track, over a year in the making, was a joint effort between Gisborne District Council, Tairāwhiti Adventure Trust and Milford Foundation. 

After Cyclone Gabrielle devastated the East Coast in February last year, slash covered the beaches and playgrounds were ravaged, leaving young people with few spaces to play and stay active. 

Trust chairman Haimona Ngata (Ngāti Porou)  —  an Ūawa local and former national BMX freestyle champion —  and other volunteer members led the charge for the new pump track. 

“When I was growing up in Ūawa you had to make your own fun. I found my fun in BMX,” Ngata said. 

“I turned that fun into a passion that allowed me to travel the world, riding my bike as a career. 

“This pump track will give the next generation the chance to find their own passion, too. We’re just stoked to see the pump track open. 

“It connects Ūawa to the global pump track network through Velo Solutions, the world leaders of pump track construction. 

“It means so much to the community after everything we’ve been through,” Ngata said. 

The $240,000 pump track was funded by NZ Lotteries and the Milford Foundation. 

Foundation chief executive Bryce Marsden attended the opening ceremony. 

“We’ve been on this journey with the people of Ūawa for the past year and it’s a privilege to see the hard mahi and the hopes of so many people be realised. 

“Credit has to go to Haimona and the many locals who have driven this project forward,” he said.