As is with the other parks this time of year, maintenance work continues along with the odd keen park visitor or group still using the park: • Repairs to a boundary fence were made at the Bush Reserve to prevent stock gaining access into it • Work has begun on widening a section of the farm road at the northern end of the Airstrip. The upgrade to the road is required so that the pine trees that fell through a fence in the Spring Paddock can be trucked out in the New Year. Once the pines are removed, a new section of fence will be erected. Temporary repairs were made to the fence in the interim. A gate is also being moved in that area to help improve stock movement between paddocks • Staff continued to clean up wind blown trees in the Pipeline Ridge gullies • Westpac Bank held a planting day where they planted 300 plants. The plants were a mixture of cabbage trees, manuka, mahoe and flax. The day was cold, but the barbecue lunch warmed everybody up and a great day was had by all. Mana Lions and Mana Boat Club groups worked in the park this period. They were out checking their respective trap lines. Pest numbers remain steady in the park but, with winter arriving at Battle Hill, pest numbers may pick up as pest animals move into the park from surrounding properties to look for easy feed. Both groups are very enthusiastic and come out in all kinds of weather. The Ranger has attended several meetings with Opus and their contractors, regarding access to Transmission Gully for the geotechnical investigation work on the proposed route. The Ranger met with the Battle Hill Equestrian Management Committee, regarding the upcoming horse event season and upgrading of their jumps around the park. The Ranger has also been liaising with the Pauatahanui Pony Club regarding the upcoming Akatarawa 1080 drop, and the closure of the park when the control operation happens, as well as co-ordinating the club's event calendar for the upcoming season. The Ranger has been working with the Parks Department's Landscape Architect on developing new interpretation signs for the park including assessing new locations for signs so that the public will get a better appreciation of the history of the park. | 
