Mayoral Challenge will be cycle trail's first public outing

The 13.5 kilometre first stage of the Pou Herenga Tai –Twin Coast Cycle Trail between Okaihau and Kaikohe will make its first public outing on the occasion of the Mayoral Cycle Challenge on Sunday 29 May 2011.

The challenge has already attracted the interest of at least two Members of Parliament and cycling enthusiasts from across Northland seeking to be among the first to officially use this new section of the government-initiated New Zealand Cycle Trail project. 

"Because the trail is as an economic development initiative for the region, we want to encourage public participation as soon as possible so that business interests both large and small can look to ways to provide services for those attracted to use the facility," Infrastructure and Assets General Manager David Penny said today.

"The cycle trail has been assessed as the only one north of Hamilton rated as appropriate for all age groups, which should enhance its popularity as we move forward.

"The Okaihau-Kaikohe section will remain open for public use following the event, but strictly for cyclists and pedestrians and not for motorised vehicles of any kind," he said.

Construction of the second stage between Kaikohe and Kawakawa following the old railway corridor is expected to be completed by the end of September and work has been scheduled to start on the third stage between Okaihau and Horeke later this year. Negotiations with landowners for access to sections of the third stage of the trail were ongoing. However the early indications were encouraging, he said.

Construction of the final stage of the trail between Kawakawa and Opua would be dependent on the availability of funding. On completion the Twin Coast trail will stretch over 85 kilometres between the Hokianga Harbour and the Bay of Islands.

"As construction is completed on each stage there will still be finishing work to be carried out such as landscaping and planting, signage, and the installation of poupou to complete the interpretation of sites of historic and cultural significance.

"One of the major finishing concepts will be the proposed biodiversity trail.  Work to date includes an ecological audit of the cycle trail to identify sensitive areas. With this information plans can be developed to further enhance its biodiversity. 

"This work has already attracted a $40,000 grant from Transpower and it is anticipated further serious funding and in kind assistance may be forthcoming to help translate the biodiversity plan into a physical planting and enhancement programme," he said.

"We are very pleased with the progress which is being made which is largely due to the cooperation and support of landowners and neighbours to the rail corridor, to the external support we have received from agencies such as Community Max and Work & Income and to the support received from contractors and the community at large.

"Schools are getting involved, donations of trees and shrubs are coming in and there have been offers of assistance from botanists to help with design and planting work.

"People are now beginning to realise the trail is far more than just a wish list and that reality is rapidly approaching," he said.