Ramping up repairs at Russell

A $300,000 project to upgrade Russell's boat ramp and carpark is nearing completion, with sealing and line marking expected to be finished by the end of July.

The work carried out by Far North Holdings Ltd (FNHL) - the commercial arm of Far North District Council - began on the ramp at the northern end of The Strand in early June. It included replacing 8m of rotting ramp wood under the water, making it safer for boaties to launch and retrieve their vessels.

New curbs and stormwater channels have been installed in the boat ramp carpark, with sealing due to take place this week and line marking to be carried out later this month.

As part of the same project, a pou was installed at the Girls' War Memorial at Russell’s waterfront. The Girls' War began in March 1830 with insults and curses being exchanged between young, high-ranking Māori women, rivals for the affections and influence of whaler Captain William Darby Brind. The exchange of insults and curses escalated into fighting between northern and southern Ngāpuhi hapū at Kororāreka. Find out more at NZ History.

The pou was installed after consultation with the local marae.

Caption: Boaties can look forward to improved boat ramp facilities at Russell.

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