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.