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Belmont trail builder brings people together
Published 21 March 2023
Hutt Valley’s Jamie Stewart is a passionate, creative and hands-on access activist. Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, recently recognised Stewart’s contributions with an Outdoor Access Champion award.
"It’s an honour to receive the award and reflects upon the good-hearted efforts many Pareraho Forest Community members," says Stewart.
Members of Pareraho Forest volunteer group
Stewart has led the community enhancement and maintenance of a network of tracks, picnic areas and swimming holes in what has become known as Pareraho Forest, a corner of Belmont Regional Park that links the Lower Hutt suburbs of Belmont and Kelson.
Outdoor Access Champion award winner Jamie Stewart
Stewart co-established the Pareraho Forest Trust to undertake these activities and to encourage the local community to get involved with conservation efforts and have fun in the forest.
Hutt Valley’s Jamie Stewart is a passionate, creative and hands-on access activist. Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, recently recognised Stewart’s contributions with an Outdoor Access Champion award.
He expands the trust’s volunteer base with weekly work parties and events for families and athletes. For example, he established Run Manu Run, a family-friendly run-swim event, and a 2022 Matariki walk to summit Boulder Hill at dawn, planting native trees on the way back down.
Stewart’s fellow Trustee, John Simes, says Jamie “can work with a challenging idea, too risky for most of us to consider or bother with, and with diligence and foresight over safety matters, pull it off, imbuing the participants with that highly infectious feeling of ‘well that was a great trip’”.
Since 2014, Stewart has worked for the Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC) in various capacities. He played a key role in setting up Backcountry Trust, a volunteer hut and track maintenance organisation. Through FMCs Recreation Transition campaign, Stewart challenges the organisation and outdoor community to consider how future recreation decisions could be shaped by the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions.
Herenga ā Nuku chief executive Ric Cullinane credits Stewart for his efforts, particularly his achievements in involving local community members.
“Jamie has made a real difference to the daily lives of those around him. His commitment and ingenuity are inspirational and deserve to be celebrated,” says Cullinane.
Page last updated: 14 December 2023