Orienteering: Revival spurs new Whangarei course

Orienteerers can enjoy a new permanent course installed at Mair Park/Parihaka Reserve, as the sport makes a comeback in Whangarei.

The Whangarei Orienteering Club disbanded several years ago, but it has since started up again with a Northland revival of the sport.

Together with NorthTec, Whangarei Boys High School, Whangarei Girls High School, the club recently installed the course as a community resource for everyone.

Whangarei Orienteering Club member Anna Hainsworth said a lot of towns had permanent courses, and the new course in Whangarei was a valuable resource. "Orienteering is good for general fitness for all ages. This course enables teaching and learning - the high school kids use it to train for various activities at school, such as the Hillary Programme. Orienteering also promotes healthy lifestyles and enhances recreation experiences. The Mair Park/Parihaka Reserve course will hopefully increase the awareness of orienteering as a sport," she said.

It was also a novel way to explore Parihaka, she added.

The course was set up at the end of last year, but the map had just been completed, and could be downloaded from Whangarei Orienteering's website.

They were also available from Kensington Fitness centre, the local i-Site and Stirling Sports.

Finishing touches such as erecting the last signs still need to be completed, but Hainsworth said the course was ready for people to put to good use.

For those interested in starting orienteering, contact Frances Hill at Whangarei Orienteering Club on 09 435 0703, or go to www.sportsground.co.nz and search Whangarei Orienteering Club. The club runs an off-road winter series that starts next month.