A legacy in QEP
Tony Edwards
The late Tony Edwards – Kapiti resident and scientist – was responsible for new signs that describe the fascinating natural history of Queen Elizabeth Park.
The signs resulted from Tony’s concerns about the environmental impact of Transit New Zealand’s two-year project to improve the MacKays Crossing interchange between Paekakariki and Paraparaumu, near the entrance to Queen Elizabeth Park.
“We agreed to fund signs to enhance the public’s awareness of the local geology and landforms,” says Rob Whight, NZTA’s Wellington State Highway Manager. “We also funded the development of a wetland area with boardwalks near MacKays Crossing and the relocation of the Queen Elizabeth Park Barn.” (Transit and LTSA merged in 2008 to form the NZ Transport Agency, NZTA.)
Greater Wellington’s Community Projects Advisor Ross Jackson, who frequently dealt with Tony on community issues, says the signs (based on information and diagrams provided by Tony before he died last year) bring difficult geological concepts to life.
“The signs show just how unique the Kapiti landscape is, both in and around the park, with its sand dunes and landforms resulting from the last ice age. And the signs are a wonderfully fitting tribute to Tony, who had a passion for helping the wider public understand Kapiti Coast’s rich natural heritage,” says Ross.
Tony was also a stalwart volunteer for Queen Elizabeth Park, leading geology walks as part of Greater Wellington’s summer events programme.
GW's Ross Jackson and NZTA's Terry McGavin, who managed Transit's MacKays Crossing project in its final year
The signs are on the Queen Elizabeth Park wetland walk, which begins outside the ranger’s office at the park’s MacKays Crossing entrance. For more information, see: