New Zealand Walking Access Commission announces availability of new funding to help public access to the outdoors

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New Zealand Walking Access Commission announces availability of new funding to help public access to the outdoors

September 4, 2018

Environment / Finance / Recreation / Tourism /

New Zealand’s Walking Access Commission has announced that is making $100,000 available to projects that enhance public access to the outdoors.

The Commission holds two application rounds each financial year for its Enhanced Access Fund - with the first round closing 30th September 2018, and the second on 31st March 2019 - with grants to be awarded from a total pool of up to $100,000.

In the last funding round the Hikuai District Trust won an $11,000 grant to resurvey parts of its 25-kilometre Pauanui-Tairua Cycle and Walkway.

Other recipients included Wellington’s Manawa Karioi ecological restoration project, which won a $5000 grant to erect signs and put in track markers that will help people walk local bush trails, and a $17,000 grant to the Kawatiri Coastal Trail Trust to help with legal costs for a 55-kilometre long walking and cycling trail between Charleston and Westport.

The Commission’s acting Chief Executive Ric Cullinane encourages community groups, recreation clubs and other organisations who are building or enhancing tracks and trails to apply before 30th September.

Cullinane says the Commission’s priority is to fund projects that obtain certain and enduring access. These could include negotiations to secure access agreements, legal or survey costs, or the cost of obtaining Resource Management Act consents.

Other initiatives, such as signage, installing stiles and other activities that improve existing public access, are also eligible for funding.

Click here to access application forms, guidelines and further details about the application process are available on the Enhanced Access Fund page of the Commission’s website.

Image: Pauanui-Tairua Cycle and Walkway.

22nd January 2018 - Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei launches augmented reality walking tour app

30th October 2017 - New Zealand Recreation Association applauds new conservation moves by Government

31st July 2017 - More New Zealanders walking Te Araroa trail

15th June 2017 - Record numbers take to New Zealand’s national walking trail

12th May 2017 - Department of Conservation to raise charges for overseas visitors walking New Zealand’s trails

26th November 2016 - Trail blazing initiative to boost recreation opportunities

5th April 2016 - Survey suggests New Zealanders prefer walking to rugby

3rd February 2016 - Massive growth in bushwalking as ‘green exercise’ and holiday activity

24th October 2014 - Walking and cycle trails connect Upper Hutt to great outdoors

18th April 2014 - More than a million visitors participate in walking and hiking in New Zealand in five years

2nd June 2013 - Outdoor access projects to receive walking access funding

19th May 2013 - Brisk walking just as good for the heart as running

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