300 million tonnes of ironsand concentrate in a
1600-hectare area – the country’s largest deposit.
It promised jobs for locals, built a road, a village
with 65 houses, as well as a hall, school and shop.
Recently there has been further controversy
as local Maori no longer have any say in how the
company is run after a Wellington businessman
gained control; 16 families have moved away after
job losses and outside contractors moved in.
The local kura (school) at Taharoa is putting
on the lunch spread for the event, and, for
those who are interested, this will provide
opportunity to talk to locals about the issues.
Raglan born and bred farmer, Alan Hall, has been
scouting his home turf on a motorbike since he was
big enough to touch the ground, and is perfectly
placed to be involved with course set-up. Alan
has secured permission to take riders close to
the windmills that stand majestically on the hills
as you drive towards Raglan from Hamilton.
Another local, albeit an imported one, who is doing
his bit to ensure a great event, is Mauro, the chef at
72 KIWI RIDER
Left Hand Break restaurant, who will be providing
a sumptuous dinner for participants. Mauro hails
from Italy and the meal will have undoubtedly
some European flair - apparently Mauro is known
locally as ‘the Legend of Raglan’. While breakfast
is not included in the event entry, Left Hand Break
is offering a delicious made-to-order breakfast
option for $20 per person. “I don’t do those buffet
breakfasts where everything stews away and the
eggs are rubbery. I cook to order,” Mauro told us.
Like Britton Adventures other recent one-day
Yamaha Adventure Rides, the Raglan event
will be suitable for all makes and models of
road-legal bikes that can cope with both on
and offroad conditions. Big adventure bikes
are welcome, including those with pillions, and
there will be alternative options for those who
may want to keep challenges to a minimum.
Head to www.adventurerides.co.nz/new-zealand-2/
for more info, email mike on mike@adventurerides.
co.nz or give Mike a call on 021 284 9047.