Now he has retired, it is interesting reading all the comments on John Key’s legacy. The one item not seen recognised is his significant contribution to initiate the development of all the bike trails throughout NZ. They would not have happened without his kick start. So for that alone, his lasting legacy, he deserves a BIG thank you…
Some bike trails – like the fabulous Tongariro River Trail below – are not even part of Nga Harenga – yet… The original 3 day concept was reduced to one day but will eventually link with the T2T (Taupo to Turangi) trail and join the greater bike trail network up the Waikato River past Huka Falls…
Other trails – like Timber Trail, Waikato River Trail, Motu Trail, etc. carry the Nga Harenga logo.
Cycle trails to receive more funding
The Government is investing $837,132 in nine new projects for the upkeep of the New Zealand Cycle Trail, Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key announced recently.
This investment comes from the fifth round of the Maintaining the Quality of Great Rides Fund, which aims to ensure New Zealand’s premier rides are maintained to their current world class standard.
The New Zealand Cycle Trail is ever growing in popularity among Kiwis and international visitors, with more than a million people visiting the 22 Great Rides last year. In light of this high usage it’s important the trails are kept to a standard that gives visitors a safe and enjoyable experience.
An evaluation released in October estimated that the Great Rides had produced $37.4 million in economic benefits in 2015 alone, through revenue from visitor spending.
The nine projects to receive funding from the Maintaining the Quality of Great Rides Fund are:
Motu Trails Trust: Motu Trails (Bay of Plenty), $29,752
Tasman District Council: Tasman Great Taste Trail (Tasman), $96,800
Queen Charlotte Track Incorporated: Queen Charlotte Track (Marlborough), $255,000
Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust: Old Ghost Road (West Coast), $42,971
Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency: Rimutaka Cycle Trail (Wellington Wairarapa), $221,000
Hauraki District Council: Hauraki Rail Trail (Hauraki), $26,196
Central Otago Clutha Trails Ltd: Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold (Otago), $21,713
Nelson City Council: Dun Mountain Trail (Nelson), $69,000
Ruapehu District Council: Mountains to Sea (Ruapehu), $74,700
Destination Great Lake Taupo: Taupo to Turangi (T2T), $ ??? Ooops?
In February 2014, $8 million over four years was announced for the Maintaining the Quality of Great Rides Fund. A total of $4.2 million has been approved for 46 projects across 19 Great Rides.
The only deserving trail proposal missing out on the sponsoring is the T2T (Taupo to Turangi) bike trail? Turangi is waiting for our share to develop the T2T Bike Trail around the eastern edge of Lake Taupo… It is a “no-brainer”! It is worth waiting for as it will undoubtedly become the most popular in NZ.
