Cleaning Up Kaiti

Big changes are planned for the future of the Kaiti Beach area. As the next few years pass, interest will be focussed increasingly on this part of Gisborne as the time draws near to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Captain Cook's landing at this nationally historic spot. Plans are afoot, between the Historic Places Trust, the Gisborne City Council, and the Gisborne Harbour Board, for the re-planning and beautification of the reserve on which the monument stands.

Recent Saturdays have seen much activity at the beach as Jaycees, ever alert to opportunities to improve community assets, have attacked the job of clearing and cleaning up picnic areas at Kaiti Beach. The job is being tackled in three stages, and it is hoped to have these completed by the Christmas holidays. Playing equipment for the children, tables, fireplaces, and fresh water are to be installed.

Picture above shows the Cook Memorial.

Rubbish burning in the area as work parties tackle their self-imposed task. Many feel that no praise is too high for the efforts of this live-wire organisation.

The Jaycee work party on the first day of the project. Standing at rear, left to right, are Phil Andrew, Shirley King, Bryan Lerwill, John Jennings, Peter Pole, Keith Hardacre, Marjorie Piesse, Howard Piesse, a junior helper, John Martin, Daan Van Oorde, Ian Flockhart, Jack Garland. Kneeling in front are Mike Geenty, Tom Butters, Bert Taylor, Ross King, Roger Crombie, Mick Frowde, Ken Slocombe, Rob Gardiner, Morris Bramwell and Seton Clare. The photographer: Wilton Smith.

Motor mowers at work on the long grass.

But before the grass could be cut, large areas had to be cleared of surplus trees, undergrowth, and rubbish, including the inevitable "dead marines".

Burning off operations on the roadside.

A general view of the area being cleared adjacent to the Yacht Club. Sunday picnic parties were quick to make use of it.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 74 : August 11, 1960

Cleaning Up Kaiti