The Department of Conservation’s (DOC) mission is "to conserve New Zealand's natural and historic heritage for all to enjoy now and in the future".
As part of their work they are continually servicing the upkeep of the tracks, huts and bridges to ensure that both New Zealanders and visitors alike have a safe and enjoyable visit to our beautiful country.
One such pedestrian bridge was on the Curtis Falls Track in Egmont National Park, which is within the Wanganui Conservancy. The work required the complete replacement of the bridge, including a suitable safety coating to make the surface non slip, when it was wet.
Current practice is to use galvanised mesh over track stairs, boardwalks and bridge deck-boards. However, DOC continually looks out for possible alternatives that are cost-efficient and cost-effective, whilst not detracting from or causing harm to the environment.
Global Safe Technologies NZ offered DOC the opportunity to trial its safety non slip product, Safe Grip, which could be applied in strips, in a colour of their choice, directly to the deck-boards, bonding with the original surface. They were also able to show DOC what the deck-boards would look like prior to work being undertaken.
The deck-boards were treated on site at Global Safe’s storage facilities and delivered directly to the bridge constructors Craftbuilt Industries in Levin. All Global Safe’s work was completed within the assigned timeframe, to specification and within budget. The newly completed Curtis Falls track bridge, with its safety non slip surface, is now part of the scenic Egmont National park.