Huatoki Stream

This morning began cloud covered with frequent rain, at times heavy. As was predicted in the forecast. By mid morning, the sun was out and the day appeared much more welcoming. So when S and I met with Jim Harding (another blipper) who is spending the weekend in new Plymouth, the sun shining into the conservatory of the cafe where we enjoyed a couple of coffees, warmed us nicely. A really enjoyable meeting and proof once again (not that I needed it) that blippers are lovely people.

I had woken at the usual time even though I didn't need to. The heavy clouds discouraged a run before sunrise, as no sunrise would be seen. Then the clouds dumped a heavy fall of rain on the city. When it stopped, I decided to go for a run as the light was steadily increasing.

I chose to run along the Coastal Walkway to the "centre of the city", where the Wind Wand is sited. Then I turned inland to run along the side of the Huatoki Awa (river or stream). This is part of the network of walkways designed to honour the Maori who lived in this area. 

Huatoki was the water source for a powerful Pa (fortified village) established in the late 18th century. It was finally abandoned less than 100 years later due to most of the hapu (sub tribe) who lived there moving to the Wellington area. 

This photo is of the Huatoki, just upstream from where water is entering down a small waterfall. The broader view of the Huatoki appeals more than the photo I took of the waterfall by itself. 

Over 40 years ago, when I was a young doctor in the hospital here in New Plymouth, a man was admitted with septicaemia as a result of helping to control flooding into the central city from the Huatoki (and other such streams). He was in the water for hours and suffered cuts and grazes; flowing into the Huatoki was sewage overflow. We could not save his life. That experience stays with me.

Now there is no such risk as there is better separation of waste water and surface water run off. 

Today the Huatoki is much lower than it was then, although still higher than it usually is.