infonews.co.nz
INDEX
COUNCIL

Middlemarch insight sort for Okaihau-Kaikohe rail corridor project

Wednesday 19 November 2008, 7:35PM

By Far North District Council

444 views

KAIKOHE

A leader in the field of walkway management and development has been invited to the mid-North early next year to provide an insight into proposals to develop the former Okaihau-Kaikohe railway corridor into a public walkway, fitness trail and visitor attraction.


The rail corridor, abandoned by rail traffic more than 20 years ago, is seen by local communities as an opportunity to advance economic opportunities for the mid-North.


The 11-kilometre corridor offers expansive views over Kaikohe and Lake Omapere with the potential to expand recreational opportunities, attract visitor attention and provide a mechanism for closer economic links between Okaihau and Kaikohe.


Western (Kaikohe/Hokianga) Community Board chair Tracy Dalton said today the initial reaction to the project had been "very encouraging."


"There has already been strong interest shown in extending the walkway along the rail corridor to Kawakawa as a second stage of the initiative, possibly linking with the historic steam train at Kawakawa to provide a visitor experience right through to Opua.


"Potentially the project could open the door to a number of local business initiatives to service those using the walkway, including the provision of overnight visitor accommodation," she said.


Preliminary discussions had been held with those involved in the development of the 150-kilometre Otago (Middlemarch) Rail Track in 1989.


"As a result of this initial contact, arrangements are being made to bring a Department of Conservation walkway specialist, Robin Thomas, up from Otago to give us some further ideas based on the Middlemarch experience.


"It was planned to call a public meeting this month to rally support, but this has now been deferred until February 2009 to provide the opportunity for Robin Thomas to be present and to provide some first-hand information on the Middlemarch project at the same time," she said.


The Middlemarch project was attracting up to 40,000 visitors a year and had resulted in:-


A massive rejuvenation of small communities along the trail
A real boost to communities with the development of bistros, café, bars, home-stays and associated services and facilities to cater for the visitor industry.


"We have just as much if not more to offer in terms of visitor attractions with real opportunities for the mid-North, Bay of Islands, the Far North and potentially for the Northland region.


"It makes good sense to bring on board people who have already had experience in a project of this nature and can tell us about the potential and the pitfalls in the very early stages," she said.


A map outlining the railway corridor and adjoining properties is still available for public viewing at the Kaikohe Service Centre. The working party set up to investigate the project will continue with the preliminary work before seeking a mandate at the public meeting in February to give practical application to the project.


In the meantime the public is invited to register interest in being involved in the working party by contacting project support officer Aisha Huriwai on 0800 920 029.