Newsletter - 17th May 2026
Photo of the Week
Each week we will post an image taken by one of our walkers of a scene they spotted on a walk. Generally these images should not include photos of any walkers. Please send any images to info@cpcw.co.nz noting photo of the week in the subject line.
Our banner image was taken by Christine Binns on a Friday walk three weeks ago. Could be a scene from the south of France? Spot the East by West ferry heading to its berth at Queens Wharf.
A Word from...
This has been yet another great week for walking. On Wednesday a surprisingly large number of walkers braved the gloomy weather to trek the road and tracks around Maungaraki. At this time of year the Thursday evening crew are walking way after the sun has set and I understand that this week Brian Alderson took them on some particularly dark tracks in Newlands where navigation was by torchlight. They were, however, rewarded by some fine night-time views of Wellington across the harbour. The Friday group split into two, as they often do, with the main group tackling the climb from Wilton Bush up to the Crows Nest, followed by a brisk walk along the Skyline Walkway into the southerly breeze, the ascent of Johnston Hill, a steep and, in places, greasy descent to the Karori Cemetery and a final walk through Wilton Bush back to the start. Meanwhile, an alternative group, led by Alison, tackled a lower but equally rewarding route.
At the briefing before the walks on Wednesday I talked about the need to make sure everyone stays safe. I suggested that we walk in groups of at least three and that when there is a need the Fast Footers and Steady Steppers split into faster and slower groups. If either of the groups is going to split please let me know before the briefing so that I can announce it. Also, the offer to show people how to download electronic maps is on-going.
David Pegram, Convenor
A reminder that the link to the newsletter in the Sunday email is not essential to access the newsletter. At any time you can access the website (CPCW), choose “Newsletters” from the menu at the top of the “Home” page and scroll down to find the newsletter. The newsletters are in choronological order with the most recent at the top. Add the CPCW link to your browser’s bookmarks (laptop, tablet or phone) and you have easy access.
David has noted that a number of our members are very willing to provide you with support to download the walking routes to your phone. Also, a summary of the process is available on our website – click here. Instructions are available for both iPhone and Android.
Bill Gaudie, Editor
Gold Coin Donation
This is a preliminary notice advising of our intention to hold a collection to raise funds for Wellington Free Ambulance:
When: Wednesday May 27th
Why: Wellington Free Ambulance provides residents of greater Wellington with an ambulance service which is completely free. It is partially funded by government and ACC, but it is still very much dependent upon donations from the public.
We have needed the services of Wellington Free on occasions during our walks and those walkers who have been assisted are always very complimentary about the service provided. We ask that you consider participating in our Gold Coin Donation. Of course, we are more than happy to accept paper money as well!! Walkers on Thursday and Friday can choose to donate through Christine (Thursday) or one of the committee (Friday).
CPCW does not ask for subs from our members. The costs of running the group are met from sponsorship and from the limited fund-raising we undertake through raffles at our anniversary dinner. Thank you for considering this very worthwhile way of showing your appreciation of both the walking group and our great ambulance service.
Our Sponsors
CPCW are very grateful for the support of our generous sponsors. Here is our chance to give back to one of them.
This week we have chosen Gillian Cross at Team Churton as our featured sponsor:
“I have been in Real Estate since 1993 when I started at the Johnsonville office of Guardian First National. I have been based at Churton Park since 1995 when we opened our ‘temporary’ office at 180 Westchester Drive, and we have been based in the Churton Park Shopping Centre since moving in June 2013.
I consider myself a ‘true local’ having grown up in Johnsonville. We have lived in Churton Park since 1980, and I have a deep interest in our local community.
I have experienced first hand the Churton Park lifestyle, first as a parent and now as a grandparent through involvement as a Committee Member of the Churton Park Kindergarten; sponsor of various projects at Churton Park Primary School; Junior and Midweek convener and President of the Churton Park Tennis Club; and as Secretary and Newsletter Editor for the Churton Park Community Association.
I am committed to providing both buyer and seller with a professional service based on a strong work ethic, local knowledge and a genuine interest in the real estate marketplace.”
Phone: 021 445102 or 04 478 3025
Email: gillian.cross@collectivefn.co.nz
101C Westchester Drive, Churton Park
FIFA World Cup
A great response to the notice re the World Cup Competition in last week’s newsletter. There is still plenty of time to enter and, remember the more that are in, the more there is to win!
The first competition will involve predicting the results and scores of the 72 games in the first round of the World Cup tournament. Points will be collected for correct results. The entrants who get the most points will share a prize pool as follows:
First place 50%
Second place 30%
Third place 20%
Entering is really easy – you can choose one of three ways to enter depending on how much involvement you would like:
- I know nothing about football so let the computer pick my results. (You will probably do as well as anyone who picks the results themselves!) All you need do is supply us your name. Click here to enter.
- I am interested in how New Zealand do and would like to pick their results only with the computer picking all other results. Click here to enter using this method
- I think I’m an expert and have the time and will pick some or all the results myself. More details on how this option works here.
Cost to enter is $10 payable to 02-0524-0233091-00. A/C Name: Churton Park Community Walkers.
If this competition is not for you, watch for the sweepstake we will run in late June when the 32 teams that will emerge to the knockout phase of the tournament are known.
Any questions please contact either Russell Paterson (russellpaterson@icloud.com) or Keith Thomas (keith@yarnbrook.com).
Walk Details for Wednesday May 20th
This Week’s Walks:
Another area we get back to each year is Linden with its Wilf Mexted Reserve and surrounding streets. This is where our walks are located this week. A check has been made on the track through the bush and, apart from a very short but manageable section of grass at the top, it is in good condition with the only real problem being that it is uphill! The PP avoid this particular part and therefore miss out on quite a good climb.
The walks will start from the designated starting point (the parking area) at 9:20am.
PP: A 3.76km loop walk. The walk is on footpaths and a bit of walkway. There is one section of uphill, but it is a fairly easy climb. If a bit of extra walking after the planned section is required then there is a short circuit (sic) just within the start of the Wilf Mexted Reserve close to where you will have parked. It is shown on the sign. You can see the planned walk here.
SS: A 5.80km loop. The walk shows a little side walk to a reservoir at the top of the climb. Please ignore this and just go right as there is nothing significant to the left. This will reduce the length by at least 0.2km. (If someone maps the actual walk and sends it to me I will replace the original walk on our database.) The walk starts with a climb with a length of 800m. If you are on the correct track to the top, then you will pass under a tree with two pink ribbons attached and then further away a substantial seat. The climb is relatively hard so you are allowed to stop on the way up and have a rest or two. The rest of the walk is easier and there are some good views and interesting houses. You can see the walk here.
FF: An 8.04km loop. The walk can be quite a bit shorter as there is a ‘there and back’ to a reservoir that can be avoided just by turning right at the top of the hill. You can see the walk on Mapometer here and on Plotaroute here.
Parking: Collins Avenue in Linden becomes Woodman Drive almost exactly at the entrance to Wilf Mexted Reserve. Parking for all three groups is from here up on both sides of the road and, if you are concerned about this parking, then there is Peckham Street just to the right off Woodman Drive. All three walks begin at the entrance to Wilf Mexted Reserve. There is probably enough room for us to congregate there.
Coffee: We have told Daily Fix in the Outlet Centre, Tawa (old DressMart), that a number of us will be arriving for coffee and perhaps a snack. The alternative is to return to Churton Park to Simmer Café or Thyme close by.
Happy walking.
Russell Paterson
Walk Schedules: You can look at the walk schedule for May 2026 here.
Reminder: Please ensure that you inform your group’s leader if you leave a walk partway through.
Cancellations: If the walks are cancelled an email will be sent out as early as possible but definitely before 8:00am.
Calendar of Events
CPCW Photos
Walking for the Week of May 11th 2026:
Photos this week come from our walks in Maungaraki on Wednesday; Newlands on Thursday; and from the Friday walk. Friday saw the larger group of walkers led by Clint up a seemingly endless uphill grind via Crows Nest to the Skyline Walkway, south down the walkway and then downhill through bush to Karori Cemetery and back through the Otari/Wilton bush to the cars. A small mis-step took us off-route as the group descended from the Skyline Walkway and we came down a track with the wonderful name of Manky Stream Valley. It required some agility skills, but all walkers rose to the occasion and, while there was a minor tumble or two, no injuries were sustained! A head count back at the cars revealed no additions or deletions to the group. Phew!
Please try and remember to take a group photo and send it to info@cpcw.co.nz
Wednesday Walkers:
Thursday Walkers:
Friday Walkers:
