Tararua Support For "Missing Link"

A proposed “Missing Link” cycleway between Shannon and Eketahuna now has qualified support from Tararua District Council.

The council will put $15,000 towards a $68,000 feasibility study which is being initiated by the major stakeholder Horowheuna District Council.

Details of the project from Horowhenua strategy and corporate services manager David Clapperton won a unanimous vote of support for the proposed $15,000 grant. It will be funded from the council’s recreation reserve.

The decision was the next step towards council buy-in following a presentation to the Eketahuna Community Board, which had previously expressed keen interest in the cycleway.

The proposed route from Shannon covers some existing roads and tracks but would also require a new trail 14 km from the high point of the Tararua Range dropping down into Eketahuna.

From town to town the distance would be approximately 40 km including 24 km of the trail through the stunning natural environment of the Tararua Forest Park.

Both councils have recognised strategic benefit to their districts from the cycleway.

For Tararua it would connect with its ‘Explore the Elements’ branding whilst linking with other significant tourist attractions such as Tui Brewery and Pukaha Mt Bruce National Wildlife Park along with accommodation and associated business opportunities.

For Horowhenua it will connect with the “Nature Coast” hinterland with links to the Foxton hub and beyond.
The Wairarapa and Manawatu regions would also benefit.

Projected potential traveller numbers over-nighting on the route could be 16,000 per annum by 2014, generating an average cash injection of $1.3m based on $86 per night, Mr Clapperton said in his presentation.

The “Missing Link” proposal was kickstarted by last year’s funding of cycleway projects throughout New Zealand by the National Government.