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The idea is being supported by Auckland Council, which is looking to use Mahurangi as a pilot project to develop new ways of supporting trail groups. Representatives from 10 trail groups met at Bridgehouse in Warkworth last month to share information about the projects they were working on and discuss coordinating under a new arrangement.
Meeting chair Gary Browne proposed the groups unite behind the Matakana Coast Trail Trust (MCTT), which already had established relationships with Auckland Transport (AT), Council, NZTA, DOC and iwi. It was crucial that groups unite behind the vision of a trail stretching across the region, from Waiwera to Mangawhai, he said.
“This could be a trail of national significance – the most popular in New Zealand,”Mr Browne said.
Each group would have a member on the MCTT board and they could use their collective power to lobby for funding. The meeting was buoyed by the announcement that the Government would contribute $13 million towards a $26 million trail network in Central Otago.
“It’s important we are heading in the same direction so we can access some of that funding,” Mr Browne said.
“Once we harness that energy, it’ s incredibly powerful.”
Matakana Community Group chair Simon Barclay said uniting under MCTT would save the groups a lot of time and effort.
“The frustration of dealing with Council at the lower levels is enough to kill any project,” Mr Barclay said.
“The fact this group has legal agreements bypasses this problem and we should all make the most of this unique opportunity.”
Greenways consultant Steve Bramley said Council was developing a scheme to support trail developments through Auckland and he wanted to use Mahurangi as a pilot.
“We have about 170 groups across Auckland,” Mr Bramley said. “It can be more effective working with one entity that has your confidence. You know your community. I’ d love to work this through as a pilot of how to integrate funding strategies.”
Council parks advisor and greenways project manager Don Lawson said Council would be consulting on a greenways plan for Matakana, Warkworth and Snells Beach in September.
“I am blown away by this evening,” Mr Lawson said. “We are well ahead of the game here. I’ m very excited.”
Mr Lawson was developing a plan with Kumeu, Riverhead and Waimaku. Next year, the Board would fund a Rodney-wide greenways plan.
Takatu businessman Martin Dancy also announced a new trail proposal he was working on to connect Takatu Road through to Baddeleys Beach. The trail could involve a new scheme he had been developing with Council to encourage landowners to form paths through their land by granting them titles for subdivision.
“It would be a win-win situation for land owners, the public and councils,” Mr Dancy said.
The groups plan to meet up next month to discuss opportunities for working together and whether the groups will unite under a new structure.
After the meeting, MCTT chair Allison Roe said it was important for the groups to maintain their independence, while being united behind a common cause.
“We’ve got to all be on the same page and working together,” Ms Roe said. “That’ s the way we will make the most progress. Every group will continue to do what they are doing and everyone needs to feel comfortable about the new direction.”
The groups:
The Big Omaha Trail: Plans to build a 20km from Matakana to Pakiri Beach, via Mt Tamahunga, including artwork by renowned Kiwi artist, Billy Apple. The trail will mostly use paper roads.
Matakana Coast Trail Trust: Has built trails connecting Point Wells, Omaha through to Matakana and plans on forming a trail network from Waiwera to Mangawhai.
Mahurangi Coastal Trail Trust: Plans to build a trail linking Wenderholm Regional Park to Te Muri Regional Park by building a foot-bridge across the Puhoi River.
Warkworth: Members of Forest and Bird and Lions are building trails from Warkworth to the Old Cement Work, which is nearly complete but permissions is still needed to cross one private property. The group is also working on trails to connect Warkworth to the Showgrounds via Kowhai Park and up the Mahurangi River to a reserve near the Falls Road ford.
Snells Beach: The Snells Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association is investigating a trail from Snells Beach to Warkworth and Matakana. The Rodney Local Board has given a $10,000 to the group to commission a feasibility study for the project, which is expected to be released in July.
Sandspit: The Sandspit Residents and Ratepayers Association is investigating trails linking to Snells Beach and want to build a footpath up Sandspit Road.
Puhoi: A group is investigating trails to connect with new subdivisions near the town and want to build a trail to connect the Te Araroa trail to Wenderholm and Te Muri.
Scotts Landing: There are a number of paper roads in the peninsular, which a group is working to have established as part of a trail network.
Omaha: The Omaha Beach Community is planning a 4km walkway beside the Taniko Wetlands Scientific Reserve, which borders the Whangateau Harbour. Baddeleys Beach Farm Trail
