A substantial crowd braved the elements on saturday morning to attend the offical opening of the new viewing platform at the Ōtaki River Estuary.
Ōtaki MP Nathan Guy, Mayor Jenny Rowan, and Kāpiti regional councillor Nigel Wilson all paid tribute to the many volunteers and the Ōtaki Friends of the River group who worked so hard to bring this new facility to the beach.
The platform provides spectacular views of the estuary and out to Kāpiti Island.
Friends group chair Max Lutz also paid tribute to the huge effort of volunteers who, despite the weather on the day, planted another large area near the platform.
Speakers also acknowledged the tenacity of former Ōtaki Councillor Eric Mathews whose tenacious vision for this project was a driving force behind its successful conclusion.
Current Ōtaki councillor Penny Gaylor said the opening of the viewing platform at the Ōtaki River Estuary delivers another wonderful community treasure, thanks to the determined efforts of the Friends of the Ōtaki River.
“And it is again a testament of how well the Ōtaki community group works in partnership with Greater Wellington Regional Council and the Kapit Coast District Council.
“It won’t be long before this is a favourite spot for locals, visitors, environmentalists, educators, and certainly for photographers.
“Congratulations and thanks to all who have played their part in realising the vision of the Friends of the Ōtaki River; it is a real credit to you, and a real asset for our community,” said Cr Gaylor.
Also unveiled on the day was a veiwing seat in memory of long serving Friend of the Ōtaki River Ash August.
