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Motu cycle trail funding approved

Wednesday 7 July 2010, 10:13AM

By Gisborne District Council

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Gisborne Intermediate have taken students cycling through part of the Old Motu Coach Road several times over the few last years . The experience gives the students a real taste of remote and rugged scenery.
Gisborne Intermediate have taken students cycling through part of the Old Motu Coach Road several times over the few last years . The experience gives the students a real taste of remote and rugged scenery. Credit: Gisborne District Council

GISBORNE

News that a bid for government funding to develop the Old Motu Coach Road has been successful is exciting for the Gisborne and Opotiki districts.  It is one of eight cycle trails announced yesterday to be included in a series of “Great Rides” under Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

An initial proposal went to the Department of Tourism and in February was one of 13 cycle trails funded to develop a feasibility study. An interagency partnership between Department of Conservation (DOC), Opotiki and Gisborne District Councils commissioned Tourism Resource Consultants and Frame Group Limited to assist in developing this. 

The New Zealand Cycle fund has approved $1.7M, in addition to this amount, DOC will be contributing approximately $360,000 to the construction works.  Work is scheduled to start in October 2010 on the Pakihi Track and will involve working with the Ministry of Social Development to increase job opportunities within the region. Andy Bassett, DOC Gisborne/Whakatane Area Manager said today “it is great news to hear we have been successful and look forward to getting on with the work”

The Motu Cycle Trails will take cyclists from Matawai through the Old Motu Coach Road with an option of detouring through the Pakihi Track or continuing through the Pacific Coast Highway to the Tirohanga Conservation Area. The cycleway introduces the rugged inland scenery and the unique history of the area as it follows the historic tracks through the heart of the Urutawa Conservation Area.  It is expected that the partnership will work with regional tourism operators to market the overall route.

Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon can see real benefits for the region as a result of this announcement. “This is an exciting opportunity for our rural communities to realise some economic advantage. This could be through providing accommodation, meals, cycle supplies or using local knowledge to guide tourist trails.”

“Kim Smith from Gisborne District Council and Mike Houghton from Opotiki District Council have led teams that worked hard on this project. They all deserve to be commended for their efforts. The support we have received from our communities and DOC have all come together to make this happen.”

According to Council’s environment and planning manager and keen cyclist Hans van Kregten this is a worthwhile regional development opportunity that the makes the most of our district’s natural attractions. “It is a good start to attracting increasing numbers of cycle tourists to the district. We will be able to take advantage of the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to market the “Great Rides” nationally and internationally. It may also lead to the realisation of other opportunities in the future. We have an active cycling community in this region and lots of support from the Cycling Advisory group that meets with council staff once a month.”

The Opotiki District Council is also delighted that the Motu Cycle Trail will become a reality. “It’s a  fantastic trail that cuts through the heart of  East Cape scenery taking in remote hill country farms, rugged bush and, of course, our beautiful beaches. It will create new jobs during its construction and when the first stage is complete, more consolidated benefits for café’s, diners, retailers and tourism operators,” said Mike Houghton, parks and reserves manager at Opotiki District Council.