Community support sought to extend cycle trail

January 23rd, 2012
[by David Armstrong]

Further work is under way to build community and business support for the funding of the extension of the Great Taste Trail cycle path from Mapua to Motueka and Riwaka.

The Nelson Tasman Cycle Trail Trust will hold a meeting on Wednesday February 8th at 6pm in the Conference Room at Top 10 Holiday Park, to bring together Motueka people who are willing to assist the realisation of the tourist cycle trail's potential to enhance economic development of the town.

The trust's executive officer, Fiona Newey, said that late last year John Kerridge, of accountancy firm Milnes Beatson (Motueka), offered assistance to the trust with local trail development, funding processes and systems, accounting and similar functions. "Discussion evolved toward the funding required to achieve the Mapua - Motueka - Riwaka section of the 175km trail," Fiona said.

She said the Motueka group would have the goal of raising the $800,000 necessary to progress the Great Taste Trail from Mapua to Motueka and on to Riwaka.

A number of funding initiatives are already in development, including Virtual Trail sales, Official Partner programme, membership, a Food and Beverage Trail passport and merchandise.

The 175km Great Taste Trail is funded already from Nelson out on two legs as far as Mapua and Wakefield. A further $3.8 million is required to complete the trail to Kohatu, down the Motueka valley, and joining Mapua with Motueka. It is planned to be completed in 2016, subject to further funding. (See our earlier story here.)

So far, local councillors have been pessimistic that Tasman District Council will provide extra funds. Keep Motueka Beautiful and other groups and individuals have been looking at the use of existing cycle paths in the town, such as around the Moutere Inlet, as part of the Tasman Trail once the connection has been made from the south. (See our earlier story here.)

At present the Great Taste Trail is usable up to just shy of Brightwater and for a 6.8km stretch on Rabbit Island. Resource consents to complete the section from Richmond to Rabbit Island were gained just prior to Christmas. The Nelson - Mapua and Nelson - Wakefield sections will be completed by October this year.

People or businesses interested in helping could email Fiona at for information about meetings or projects.

Comment by Philip Grimmett:
[Posted 1 February 2011]

Kia kaha. Motueka. The National Cycleway Nga Herenga is the brain child of John Key to launch NZ economic growth. Clearly the Gov has no money and is relying on the goodwill and generosity of the local businesses and communities. I look forward to cycling on these cycleways around Aotearoa if or when they are completed. The Govt has money to bail out South Canterbury Finance, leaky buildings, America's Cup etc. but struggles to support public transport, walking and cycling initiatives.

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