In the hustle and bustle of modern life, the concept of community often takes a backseat. We’re all engrossed in our own worlds, whether it’s our immediate neighbourhood, the local sports club, or the organizations we volunteer for. Yet, amidst the daily grind, there’s an underlying truth we sometimes overlook: the profound impact of community and what it takes to foster it over time.
I found myself with ample time for reflection about community-building last weekend as I made my way along the Old Ghost Road. If you haven’t heard of it, let me paint a picture for you. The Old Ghost Road stretches across 85 kilometers, serving as a point-to-point route for hiking and biking enthusiasts, spanning from Seddonvile, north of Westport, all the way to Lyell. But beyond its physical attributes lies a narrative that resonates deeply with the essence of community building, albeit with a few twists and turns along the way.
Rewind the clock to the 1800s, when the West Coast goldrush was in full swing. Ambitious prospectors envisioned a road cutting through the heart of the rugged terrain, promising access to untapped riches. With little more than pickaxes and sheer determination, a group of pioneers commenced construction, starting from the Lyell end. Yet, as fate would have it, the gold ran out, and the project ground to a halt. Nature, relentless in its reclamation, slowly swallowed the trail whole, leaving behind a mere whisper of its existence for over a century.
Fast forward to the dawn of the new millennium and Ron Humphreys, a Westport local, stumbled upon the long-forgotten survey map and shared his discovery with Marion “Weasel” Boatwright, an American transplant with roots firmly planted in Westport. Wanting an adventure and knowing adventures such as this are best shared, Weasel signed up Steve “Stacky” Stack embarked on a six-day odyssey, hacking through dense foliage from Lyell back to Weasel’s lodge near Seddonville. It was during this journey that the seeds of an audacious plan were sown.
Recognizing the potential for greatness, Weasel sought out Phil Rossiter, an environmental scientist endowed with charisma and an unwavering resolve. Rossiter’s innate ability to inspire and lead served as the catalyst for what would become a monumental undertaking. And so, with conviction in their hearts and a shared dream lighting the way, the fledgling Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust set out to breathe life back into the forgotten trail.
But dreams, no matter how grand, require more than mere passion to materialize. With Rossiter’s ability to follow process and engage the right stakeholders, the crew managed to secure millions in funding. Feeling a calling for this project, innumerable individuals put in tens of thousands of hours of sweat and toil, faced setbacks aplenty but worked towards that shared goal. Through the collective efforts of dedicated volunteers and the unwavering support of the community, the impossible slowly but surely transformed into reality.
In 2015, amidst jubilant celebrations, two groups converged at the trail’s midpoint, bridging a chasm of history with a ribbon of hope. The Old Ghost Road, once a relic of the past, now stood as a testament to the power of collaboration and the resilience of the human spirit.
But the story didn’t end there. Rather than basking in the glow of their achievement, the guardians of the trail sought to share its wonders with the world. Thus, the idea of a foot race spanning the entire 85 kilometres was born.
In the inaugural race of 2016, a handful of locals and seasoned runners braved the challenge. Yet, as the years passed, a remarkable transformation took place. What was once the domain of the few became a beacon of inspiration for the many.
At the end of the race this year kids’ shouts were heard as a few dozen local kids waiting at the end of the track recognised one after another Westport local. Individuals who would never have considered themselves runners, let alone long-distance ones, have been drawn to the event and the community that is part of it. Individuals who wouldn’t have given a second thought to a gravel road heading deep into the bush near Seddonville suddenly decided that spending 15 or so hours in that bush was a good idea. School teachers have signed up to run the race and their students are getting interested in the physical challenges the trail offers, the environmental lessons it can provide, the history behind it and the economic benefits it has brought to Westport and the wider Buller District.
So circling back to that community-building theme we see an incredible lesson in how to gradually change things at scale. Plant some seeds and, over time, a forest might just bloom. Show a child an opportunity beyond their current frame of reference and they might just surprise you with what they’re capable of. Pick up the wero and finish a trail that some hardy souls a century ago couldn’t complete and you might just change the world.
In an age marked by division and discord, the story of the Old Ghost Road serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that, despite our differences, we are bound together by a common humanity. It teaches us that, with perseverance and a shared vision, anything is possible.
As we traverse the winding paths of life, let us not forget the power of community. For in the embrace of others, we find strength, resilience, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. After all, as the saying goes, it takes a village… or in this case, an entire community united in purpose and bound by a love for adventure.
