At Rotary Matamata we have a dream that Matamata will one day have a walkway that goes around the whole town. We have for many years worked towards this. In 2015 we established the Peria Road Reserve Memorial Grove and planted 100 kahikatea trees to commemorate 100 years since the First World War.
On 14th February 2018 we opened the adjoining section the Stanley Farm Lane walkway. Read the full story, courtesy of the Matamata Chronicle.
The vision of a member of the Stanley family has been realised through the hard work of Rotary Matamata and the Matamata business community.
Stanley Farm Lane, joining Peria Road and Dawson Street in Matamata was officially opened last week, with a blessing and ribbon cutting.
The late Bruce Stanley a former Rotarian, whose family owns the property off Peria Road had a vision to create a controlled walkway for people to enjoy the land that had been in his family throughout the generations.
"As opposed to people who used to jump the fence," said Stephen Stanley, speaking at the opening on behalf of the Stanley family.
"Where they could absorb the nature he lived in, north facing views, the Kaimai. Places he felt one with nature."
Stanley Farm Lane was created by Rotary Matamata, under the project management of Rotarian Kevin Sing, driven by Don Stanley and with the support and guidance of the Stanley family.
The land was originally won in a ballot by William Stanley, who emigrated from Ireland.
The original ballot was for a 50acre plot, which he exchanged for the 156 acre prime dairy land and has remained in the family over the generations.
Over the years is has expanded and being used for multiple purposes from dairying to maize while remaining in the family.
The walkway was named Stanley Farm to encompass all those who had worked the land over the years, with Lane added to reflect the family's Irish origins.
One person delighted to see the walkway open was Leonie Tisch, Rotary 9930 District Governor and former Matamata ward councillor with Matamata-Piako District Council.
"While I was a district councillor we talked about extending walk ways in Matamata," said Tisch.
"It was through the drive of people like Don Stanley that we got plans and we sat down and thought where are these walkways missing within Matamata and where can we make them happen."
In her speech at the opening, Tisch said the community was indebted to the Stanley family for supporting the tribute to Bruce and realising his vision.
Matamata Rotarian and Matamata-Piako District councillor Brian Hunter said the lane was a great example of how the people of Matamata work together for a cause.
"One of the things I love about this place is if we need something done in this town, it happens.
"It's you folk who make it happen.
"It makes me very proud to be part of this community."
Speaking on behalf of council, he said they were committed to the walkways in Matamata and would continue to do so in the future.
"We see it as a great advantage for the town."
Four native trees were symbolically planted at the half way mark of the walkway, with more to be planted this Autumn.
The walkway was blessed and a waiata performed by by Ngāti Hinerangi Kaumatua Casey Douglas, Kuia and fellow Hapu Wahine.