It was delivered to the Waitaki District Council by Oamaru geographer David Harrowfield, who has been investigating reopening the track since it was closed last year after heavy rain made it dangerous.
Dr Harrowfield went to the council's public forum this week to put a case to retain the walkway, named for mountaineer, benefactor and Waitaki Boys' High School master William George Grave, who instigated the track, which runs around the tip of Cape Wanbrow from Oamaru Harbour to Boatman's Harbour. He died before it was opened in 1935.
It became part of the Vanished World trail around North Otago, particularly for its geological volcanic and limestone features.
Dr Harrowfield said part of the walkway had recently been restored by one person in his own time, but needed further work.
"It is not as dangerous as claimed and periodic slumping of the upper face is expected, as with all such amenities in New Zealand. It is foremost a dry-weather walkway," he said.
The onus was on the user to be responsible.
The track was on a firm foundation, had no extensive under-cutting and met Department of Conservation requirements.
Doc had accepted a proposal for ongoing maintenance of the track and was discussing an agreement. A discussion had also been held with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust about registering it as a Category 2 heritage feature.
Dr Harrowfield said Grave's Track had aspects of geology, biology and military history that would not be visible if it was replaced with a higher track on Cape Wanbrow.
He asked the council to:-
• Clarify any relevant engineering issues.
• Permit a community group to continue maintenance.
• Install new signage.
• Integrate Grave's Track into a circuit with any other walkways on cape Wanbrow.
• Permit new access from the harbour at the northern end of the penguin colony viewing gallery.
Donations and offers of voluntary help were available, so there would be no cost to the council.
Dr Harrowfield had support for his proposal from Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean, Grave's family descendants, geologists, the Otago Alpine Club, North Otago Alpine Club, North Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club, Oamaru Coastal Defence Complex, Waitaki Old Boys' Association, North Otago Yacht and Power Boat Club and Geoscience Society of New Zealand.
