At the AGM of Friends of Arataki yesterday, and had a quick look around the Visitor Centre. Spotted this model of Sandfly, the engine that took sawn timber from the Piha Mill to the Whatipu wharf. It ran on an elevated trestle line around the cliffs, bracing the torrents of flying sand and smashing surf. It had a retractable funnel to get through Tunnel Point, south of Karekare.

The connection with Piha, apart from the Mill? It was made by Piha resident, Dick Mead, for the Protect Piha Heritage Piha Mill Day in 2010. Dick also made a model of pit-sawing and that is also in the Arataki Visitor Centre. Glad to see they’ve found a home where they can be enjoyed by thousands.