07/04/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Historic Scout Campsite Rebuild After Cyclone Devastation
A much-loved historic campsite that has hosted thousands of young people for more than a century is being brought back to life after being devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Weka Point Scout Campsite, near the small rural settlement of Rissington, 30km west of Napier, was virtually destroyed during the cyclone in February 2023. Floodwaters from the Mangaone River engulfed the Rissington settlement along with the campsite, leaving only the foundations of the two accommodation buildings.
The swing bridge was torn from its foundations and left destroyed across neighbour’s farm. And decades of native plantings were lost - leaving the site covered in up to three metres of silt and debris.
For many, the loss was deeply felt. Weka Point is believed to be the site of New Zealand’s first ever scout camp in 1911, when “Little John” (John Cooksey) took a patrol of six scouts down to camp on the site. It was named Weka due to the large number of weka present at the time.
Over time, the campsite had grown into a well-developed facility, with accommodation buildings, an ablution block, a commercial kitchen and dining area, and a swing bridge providing safe access across the river. Since then, generations of young people from Hawke’s Bay and beyond have experienced adventure, friendship and personal growth on the site.
The campsite was insured and the decision was made to undertake a staged rebuild, initially repairing the ablution block and progressing on the wastewater systems and swing bridge. The goal is to welcome young people back to the campsite in spring 2026.
That rebuild is now well underway, made possible by the support of dedicated volunteers, local organisations, and national funding.
The Hastings Host Lions Club, which had originally supported the construction of the swing bridge in 2011, visited the site on the 28 February 2026, on behalf of Lions Clubs international. The Cyclone Gabrielle committee that was put together at the time of the cyclone to oversee how Lions could help the local communities, successfully nominated Weka Point as a Lions Clubs International Foundation Cyclone Gabrielle resilience project, securing a significant grant of $140,000 towards rebuilding the bridge which has enabled construction to commence mid-June of this year. The project is led by Edifice Structures, specialist bridge builders with extensive experience working on Department of Conservation (DOC) projects.
Camp Warden Ian Paterson, who has been heavily involved in the project said,” The restoration of Weka Point is more than a rebuild - it is a new beginning, reflecting the resilience of scouting, the strength of community, and a commitment to future generations”.
Members of Hastings Host Lions Club February 2026 at the memorial of Swing Bridge funded by the club and opened October 2011.
Left to Right:
Hilary Bullot, Elizabeth Crawley, Carol McMillan (Chair Cyclone Gabrielle committee)
Alan Harvey, Angus McMillan
