$50 million for New Zealand cycle network

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May 26, 2009

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has announced that his Government will spend $50 million over three years to build a New Zealand cycle way.

Prime Minister Key stated that the initiative would create a series of 'Great Rides' of New Zealand, "with the long term aim of creating a network throughout the country."

Routes would be influenced by existing cycleways, facilities, and tourism attractions.

"Some promising routes have already been identified and I expect to have announcement on them in the next couple of months," explained the Prime Minister.

The first route could run from Queenstown to Invercargill and on to Bluff.

David Perks, Chief Executive of Positively Wellington Tourism said the cycleway would give New Zealanders a good reason to travel, stating "for international tourists there are probably a lot who would cycle, but not the whole of New Zealand. But this will appeal to those who want to do a short scenic section and enjoy a different experience."

Prime Minister Key said the cycleway was the first of what he hoped would be a number of initiatives that would help deliver on the Government's vision for the New Zealand tourism industry, adding "we make the very most of our competitive advantages, and that we seize the many opportunities they provide."

"We (also) need to make New Zealand a higher-value destination. We need to respond to the world as it changes. We need to improve the business environment. We need to work more closely with each other, and we need to make the most of the Rugby World Cup."

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