All-weather athletics track gets green light

Wairarapa's first all-weather athletics track has been given the green light after years of fundraising, and construction is due to start next week.

Mayor Garry Daniell said Masterton District Council had given approval for the construction of the Wairarapa All Weather Athletic Track at Colin Pugh Sports Bowl.

He said the trust had raised most of the $900,000 required to build the track and work would start next week.

Mr Daniell anticipated the Pelorus Trust eight-lane athletic track would be finished by February or March.

"We've got to congratulate the All Weather Athletic Track Trust for their fundraising," he said. The trust was keen to take advantage of the construction opportunities, and Oldfield Asphalts would manage the construction aspects of the project.

Trust secretary Mark Harris said the project was initiated just over four years ago, but had really taken off in the last two years.

"I remember when we got our first cheque in the mail," he said. "It was an exciting moment."

He said there were about 25 tracks in country, but Wairarapa would be one of the smallest regions to build one.

Mr Harris said another unique aspect of the track was that it would be the colour blue, and disabled and recreational users would also be able to train on it.

"It's great to be able to support them," he said. "We're making a facility any one can use."

Mr Harris said the trust was still raising money for other aspects of the project.

"As far as the building of the track, we have enough money to do that."