15/06/2026
Legends!!! 🌺
BIG SHOUT OUT #14 Waitangi Mountain Bike Park Volunteers. Since the park opened, more than 396 volunteers have contributed an astounding 20,761 volunteer hours to help build, maintain and care for this remarkable community asset! 😱 From planting trees and laying gravel, to clearing drains, cutting back vegetation, repairing trail surfaces and checking trails after storms, volunteers have played a vital role in creating and maintaining a park enjoyed by thousands of riders every year.
The impact of their efforts reaches far beyond the trails themselves. Waitangi Mountain Bike Park delivers millions of dollars in economic, health and wellbeing benefits to our region each year, and volunteers have been central to making that possible.
Over the years, people from all walks of life have rolled up their sleeves to help - students, community groups, local riders, businesses, organisations and friends of the park from across the Bay of Islands. This month, however, we'd like to give special recognition to one volunteer in particular. Peter Seccombe has been volunteering at Waitangi Mountain Bike Park since day one. Over that time, he has contributed more than 800 volunteer hours and remains a regular face on the trails each week.
As Pete approaches his 80th birthday next month, his dedication continues to inspire everyone around him. Never one to shy away from hard work, Pete is often found alongside Park Manager Tiff Holland tackling whatever job needs doing. And when the work gets tough, Pete's advice is usually simple: take a concrete pill! Which means harden up and get the job done!
His commitment, humour and willingness to help have become a valued part of the park's culture. Quite simply, when help is needed, Pete has never said no.
The reality is that Waitangi Mountain Bike Park would not function without volunteers. Their contribution saves hundreds of hours of work every year and helps ensure the trails remain safe, enjoyable and accessible for the whole community.
A huge thank you to Pete, and to every volunteer who has contributed their time, energy and expertise over the years. Your efforts have helped create something truly special for the Bay of Islands.
A very special thank you to Tiff who shared Pete's story with us, and has poured blood, sweat and tears into the park since it was little more than an idea. From the earliest incubation phase through to the destination it is today - Focus Paihia's flagship community project, which we are incredibly proud to continue to support. Tiff's passion, perseverance and leadership have been instrumental in bringing the park to life. Tiff, thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do, for our community. 🌟
💚 THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING! 💚 Interested in getting involved? Most of our volunteer trail work takes place during the week when the park is quieter and we can work safely on the trails. Rather than large working bees, much of our maintenance is carried out by small, focused groups tackling specific projects and repairs. If you have some spare time during the weekdays and would enjoy getting outdoors, contributing to the park and meeting like-minded people, send a message to the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park page, or email [email protected] - we'd love to hear from you.
📸 It’s the last week to send us a photo and a few details about a volunteer, community group, club or organisation you'd like us to celebrate. ❤️
