Thirteen cycle trails got the nod today to go through to feasibility studies for inclusion in Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.
Described as the “stand-out winners” from the 54 applications that applied for funding in December, the successful applicants will now have a feasibility study carried out where the vision proposed in the Concept plans will be priced and checked to ensure they can be built and that they will deliver what they promise.
The New Zealand Cycle Trail fund will contribute to the feasibility studies.
John Dunn, Programme Manager, says the calibre of all the applications was very high which made the Technical Assessment Group’s job of short-listing incredibly difficult.
“I want to congratulate all the applicants on the excellent work they put into the Concepts,” says Mr Dunn. “Their applications were outstanding and demonstrated a level of commitment to their regions that show how a community can be galvanised into that great Kiwi tradition of ‘getting in behind’ a great idea.”
“Nonetheless, with a limited funding pool of $50 million dollars, prioritising the trails was important and has meant that the ones going through to feasibility are “simply superior in every way”.
They are:
1. Tauranga Moana Coastal Cycle Trail (Tauranga)
2. Old Motu Coach Road (Opotiki/Gisborne)
3. Thermal by Bike (Rotorua)
4. Lake Track (Taupo)
5. Mountains to Sea Cycleway – link (Ruapehu)
6. Heretaunga Ararua: Land of a Hundred Pathways (Hawkes Bay)
7. Dun Mountain and Tasman Cycle Loop (Nelson/Tasman)
8. Old Ghost Road (West Coast)
9. Westland Wilderness Trail (Greymouth)
10. Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail (Mt Cook)
11. The Wakatipu Trail (Queenstown)
12. Roxburgh Gorge Trail (Central Otago)
13. Clutha Gold Trail (Otago)
“These applications promise trails of stunning beauty and, along with the previously announced Quick Start projects, will provide a network of about 2000 kilometres of iconic Great Rides.”
Mr Dunn says that prior to being funded for construction applicants must still prove feasibility and confirm there is a sound business case.
“We want them to put their best bid forward in their feasibility study which also means confirming the co-funding for construction.”
Regarding the unsuccessful applicants, Mr Dunn says the Technical Assessment Group was particularly keen that the considerable investment made by the communities in their proposals was not lost. He says many of the trails deserve to be built and encouraged the applicants to explore other funding mechanisms and options to support their vision.
The feasibility study is expected to be completed by 31 May 2010 and it is hoped that construction could begin by the end of the year. To this end, applicants will be encouraged to work alongside their regional Ministry of Social Development offices to ensure young, unemployed New Zealanders can join the work force to help construct these trails.
For information about Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trails, go to www.tourism.govt.nz/cycleway
Media inquiries: Mei Taare – 04 470 2290 or 021 416 573
Questions and Answers
Phase Two Announcement: Projects approved to progress to Feasibility / Business Case
1. What is the status of each of the NZ Cycle Trail projects – both Phase One, the Quick Start projects that were approved in July 2009, and Phase Two?
Phase One
The Quick Start trails are all at various stages of development. Some are still finalising their feasibility studies and business cases, while others have begun construction. The seven Quick Start trails are:
1. Hokianga to Opua (portion of trail)
2. Hauraki Plains Trail
3. Waikato River Trail
4. Central North Island Rail Trail
5. Mountains to the Sea
6. St James Great Trail
7. Around the Mountain Trail
Approximately $18 million will be provided from the NZ Cycle Trail Fund for the Quick Start projects.
Phase Two
The Phase Two trails have been approved to progress to the feasibility stage. Details about the 13 trails, including funding allocation, is shown in the following table.
Name of Trail Description If successful, amount allocated for construction from NZ Cycle Trail Fund ($) NZ Cycle Trail Fund Contribution to Feasibility Study ($)
Tauranga Moana Coastal Cycle Trail (Tauranga) Waihi Beach to Tauranga waterfront in the Bay of Plenty region, experiencing the Pacific Coast, Matakana Island and Tauranga Harbour, with the Kaimai range providing a backdrop. 75km 3,550,000 75,000
Old Motu Coach Road (Opotiki/Gisborne)
The journey follows historic military and coach roads, and an early 1900s stock track from Matawai to Opotiki. 138km. 1,170,000 25,000
Thermal by Bike (Rotorua)
A 75km scenic cycleway from Rotorua to Orakei Korako incorporating four of the world’s most unique geothermal areas. 3,070,000 15,000
Lake Track (Taupo)
Starting 15 mins from Taupo, an all-weather multi-day cycleway on the edge of Lake Taupo through native forest with views of the lake and Tongariro National Park. 100km. 2,100,000 50,000
Mountains to Sea Cycleway – link (Ruapehu)
The proposed trail would run from Horopito to National Park and into the Retaruke Valley. This is a key link in the 245km Mountains to Sea Cycleway from Ohakune to Wanganui, which takes in two iconic national parks and connects two districts. 33km link. 500,000 0
Heretaunga Ararua: Land of a Hundred Pathways (Hawkes Bay)
50km trail with optional starting points (Havelock North/Clive/Haumoana and Te Awanga). The trail will visit the Tukituki River Valley with views of Te Mata Peak. The trail will take riders along the coast towards Cape Kidnappers 2,600,000 40,000
Dun Mountain and Tasman Cycle Loop (Nelson/Tasman)
45km extension to Dun Mountain cycling trail (Nelson). And, Tasman Loop – 3-day trail from Nelson to Tapawera, to Motueke and Kaiteriteri then returning via a coastal route. 175km. 2,630,000 62,500
Old Ghost Road (West Coast)
Resurrecting a long forgotten 1870s northern West Coast gold mining road as a multi-day, heritage-filled cycle trail. 60km section of a longer trail of which a part has been completed and an extension is planned. 2,000,000 20,000
Westland Wilderness Trail (Greymouth)
A cycling adventure from Greymouth to Ross, travelling through wild beaches, rainforests, lush wetlands and lakes, on a route explored by pioneering gold rush miners. 139km 3,200,000 12,500
Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail (Mt Cook)
300km cycle trail from Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, descending 780m through the Mackenzie basin down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru, with multiple access points to begin or end the ride. 2,750,000 100,000
The Wakatipu Trail (Queenstown)
A 109km trail encompassing picturesque and historic Arrowtown, and Queenstown within the Wakatipu Basin. 1,830,000 66,750
Roxburgh Gorge Trail (Central Otago)
Cycle trail on the Clutha Mata-au River, covering the 33km of the Roxburgh Gorge between Alexandra and the Roxburgh Dam. 2,000,000 15,000
Clutha Gold Trail (Otago)
Off-road 73km trail in Otago running from Roxburgh to Lawrence along the Clutha Mata-au River. 3,800,000 15,000
2. How did you decide which trails would progress to feasibility?
The Technical Assessment Group (TAG) assessed all the proposals against the four key assessment criteria:
• Meeting a market demand
• Showcasing the best New Zealand has to offer
• Meeting the objectives of the Cycle Trail Project (short and long-term economic benefits, enhance New Zealand’s competitiveness as a visitor destination, engage local communities and maximise complementary benefits where possible e.g. for health, recreation, commuters).
• Developing partnerships and stakeholder support
The TAG also considered:
• The accessibility of the land
• Whether the risks currently identified could be resolved at a reasonable cost and within a reasonable timeframe
• The trail’s distinctive “point of difference” (i.e. the ‘wow factor’)
Following a short-listing process, the TAG made recommendations to the Funding Committee. The Funding Committee made the final decisions about which proposals would proceed to feasibility.
3. What is the Technical Assessment Group?
The Technical Assessment Group (TAG) is a team of specialists with legal, engineering, business and cycling industry expertise. The New Zealand Transport Agency is also represented on the TAG. The Group is chaired by the New Zealand Cycle Trail Programme Manager, John Dunn.
4. How many concept proposals did you get?
54
5. What happens to the unsuccessful applicants?
It is hoped that the considerable investment made by the communities in their proposals is not lost. The TAG felt many of the trails deserve to be built and encourage the unsuccessful applicants to explore other funding mechanisms and options to develop their trail.
6. Can applicants challenge the decision, or ask the Funding Committee to review it?
No. However, applicants are welcome to seek specific feedback on their proposal from the Ministry. It is then up to the applicants to decide whether to share that information with the public.
7. Why were they unsuccessful?
All the applications were of a high standard. Nonetheless, with a limited funding pool, prioritising the trails was important and that has meant the ones going through to feasibility were considered “simply superior”.
8. Was it a deliberate decision to spread the trails relatively evenly between the north and sound islands?
No, each project was evaluated on its merits.
9. What happened to the “Cape Reinga to Bluff” cycleway?
With the limited funding available, the initial focus of the project has always been to develop a series of ‘Great Rides’ – a similar concept to the Conservation Estate’s Great Walks. The development of Great Rides will support regional clusters of economic and employment activity. They will also cater to a range of tourism experiences and provide a variety of cycling styles at varying levels of ability.
Once the trails are built there will be a network of about 2000 kilometres of iconic cycle trails available to local and international cycling enthusiasts.
10. Will there be another round of funding?
Our focus is on the current funding available. Nonetheless, there is a groundswell of support for this project and perhaps once the Great Rides are established and a proven success, a further network of trails may be considered.
11. What happens once the feasibility studies are completed?
The feasibility studies are expected to be completed by 31 May 2010. The Technical Assessment Group will then review them and make recommendations to the Funding Committee. Applicants will then be asked to submit a final Business Case. The Business Case will need to demonstrate, among other things, the resolution of any outstanding issues.
12. How many of these Phase Two trails will you actually build?
We want all the trails to be built but the final outcome will depend on the feasibility studies and business cases.
13. When will know which ones will be built?
We expect to make an announcement around October this year.
14. How many jobs will these trails generate?
The number and type of jobs the trails will generate will be explored and developed as part of the feasibility study and business case. Work and Income will work with project applicants to support people into cycle trail jobs.
Lucky thirteen new cycle trails planned
Ministry of Tourism Release:
Thursday 11 February 2010
Thirteen cycle trails got the nod today to go through to feasibility studies for inclusion in Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.
Described as the “stand-out winners” from the 54 applications that applied for funding in December, the successful applicants will now have a feasibility study carried out where the vision proposed in the Concept plans will be priced and checked to ensure they can be built and that they will deliver what they promise.
The New Zealand Cycle Trail fund will contribute to the feasibility studies.
John Dunn, Programme Manager, says the calibre of all the applications was very high which made the Technical Assessment Group’s job of short-listing incredibly difficult.
“I want to congratulate all the applicants on the excellent work they put into the Concepts,” says Mr Dunn. “Their applications were outstanding and demonstrated a level of commitment to their regions that show how a community can be galvanised into that great Kiwi tradition of ‘getting in behind’ a great idea.”
“Nonetheless, with a limited funding pool of $50 million dollars, prioritising the trails was important and has meant that the ones going through to feasibility are “simply superior in every way”.
They are:
1. Tauranga Moana Coastal Cycle Trail (Tauranga)
2. Old Motu Coach Road (Opotiki/Gisborne)
3. Thermal by Bike (Rotorua)
4. Lake Track (Taupo)
5. Mountains to Sea Cycleway – link (Ruapehu)
6. Heretaunga Ararua: Land of a Hundred Pathways (Hawkes Bay)
7. Dun Mountain and Tasman Cycle Loop (Nelson/Tasman)
8. Old Ghost Road (West Coast)
9. Westland Wilderness Trail (Greymouth)
10. Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail (Mt Cook)
11. The Wakatipu Trail (Queenstown)
12. Roxburgh Gorge Trail (Central Otago)
13. Clutha Gold Trail (Otago)
“These applications promise trails of stunning beauty and, along with the previously announced Quick Start projects, will provide a network of about 2000 kilometres of iconic Great Rides.”
Mr Dunn says that prior to being funded for construction applicants must still prove feasibility and confirm there is a sound business case.
“We want them to put their best bid forward in their feasibility study which also means confirming the co-funding for construction.”
Regarding the unsuccessful applicants, Mr Dunn says the Technical Assessment Group was particularly keen that the considerable investment made by the communities in their proposals was not lost. He says many of the trails deserve to be built and encouraged the applicants to explore other funding mechanisms and options to support their vision.
The feasibility study is expected to be completed by 31 May 2010 and it is hoped that construction could begin by the end of the year. To this end, applicants will be encouraged to work alongside their regional Ministry of Social Development offices to ensure young, unemployed New Zealanders can join the work force to help construct these trails.
For information about Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trails, go to www.tourism.govt.nz/cycleway
Media inquiries: Mei Taare – 04 470 2290 or 021 416 573
Questions and Answers
Phase Two Announcement: Projects approved to progress to Feasibility / Business Case
1. What is the status of each of the NZ Cycle Trail projects – both Phase One, the Quick Start projects that were approved in July 2009, and Phase Two?
Phase One
The Quick Start trails are all at various stages of development. Some are still finalising their feasibility studies and business cases, while others have begun construction. The seven Quick Start trails are:
1. Hokianga to Opua (portion of trail)
2. Hauraki Plains Trail
3. Waikato River Trail
4. Central North Island Rail Trail
5. Mountains to the Sea
6. St James Great Trail
7. Around the Mountain Trail
Approximately $18 million will be provided from the NZ Cycle Trail Fund for the Quick Start projects.
Phase Two
The Phase Two trails have been approved to progress to the feasibility stage. Details about the 13 trails, including funding allocation, is shown in the following table.
Name of Trail Description If successful, amount allocated for construction from NZ Cycle Trail Fund ($) NZ Cycle Trail Fund Contribution to Feasibility Study ($)
Tauranga Moana Coastal Cycle Trail (Tauranga) Waihi Beach to Tauranga waterfront in the Bay of Plenty region, experiencing the Pacific Coast, Matakana Island and Tauranga Harbour, with the Kaimai range providing a backdrop. 75km 3,550,000 75,000
Old Motu Coach Road (Opotiki/Gisborne)
The journey follows historic military and coach roads, and an early 1900s stock track from Matawai to Opotiki. 138km. 1,170,000 25,000
Thermal by Bike (Rotorua)
A 75km scenic cycleway from Rotorua to Orakei Korako incorporating four of the world’s most unique geothermal areas. 3,070,000 15,000
Lake Track (Taupo)
Starting 15 mins from Taupo, an all-weather multi-day cycleway on the edge of Lake Taupo through native forest with views of the lake and Tongariro National Park. 100km. 2,100,000 50,000
Mountains to Sea Cycleway – link (Ruapehu)
The proposed trail would run from Horopito to National Park and into the Retaruke Valley. This is a key link in the 245km Mountains to Sea Cycleway from Ohakune to Wanganui, which takes in two iconic national parks and connects two districts. 33km link. 500,000 0
Heretaunga Ararua: Land of a Hundred Pathways (Hawkes Bay)
50km trail with optional starting points (Havelock North/Clive/Haumoana and Te Awanga). The trail will visit the Tukituki River Valley with views of Te Mata Peak. The trail will take riders along the coast towards Cape Kidnappers 2,600,000 40,000
Dun Mountain and Tasman Cycle Loop (Nelson/Tasman)
45km extension to Dun Mountain cycling trail (Nelson). And, Tasman Loop – 3-day trail from Nelson to Tapawera, to Motueke and Kaiteriteri then returning via a coastal route. 175km. 2,630,000 62,500
Old Ghost Road (West Coast)
Resurrecting a long forgotten 1870s northern West Coast gold mining road as a multi-day, heritage-filled cycle trail. 60km section of a longer trail of which a part has been completed and an extension is planned. 2,000,000 20,000
Westland Wilderness Trail (Greymouth)
A cycling adventure from Greymouth to Ross, travelling through wild beaches, rainforests, lush wetlands and lakes, on a route explored by pioneering gold rush miners. 139km 3,200,000 12,500
Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail (Mt Cook)
300km cycle trail from Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, descending 780m through the Mackenzie basin down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru, with multiple access points to begin or end the ride. 2,750,000 100,000
The Wakatipu Trail (Queenstown)
A 109km trail encompassing picturesque and historic Arrowtown, and Queenstown within the Wakatipu Basin. 1,830,000 66,750
Roxburgh Gorge Trail (Central Otago)
Cycle trail on the Clutha Mata-au River, covering the 33km of the Roxburgh Gorge between Alexandra and the Roxburgh Dam. 2,000,000 15,000
Clutha Gold Trail (Otago)
Off-road 73km trail in Otago running from Roxburgh to Lawrence along the Clutha Mata-au River. 3,800,000 15,000
2. How did you decide which trails would progress to feasibility?
The Technical Assessment Group (TAG) assessed all the proposals against the four key assessment criteria:
• Meeting a market demand
• Showcasing the best New Zealand has to offer
• Meeting the objectives of the Cycle Trail Project (short and long-term economic benefits, enhance New Zealand’s competitiveness as a visitor destination, engage local communities and maximise complementary benefits where possible e.g. for health, recreation, commuters).
• Developing partnerships and stakeholder support
The TAG also considered:
• The accessibility of the land
• Whether the risks currently identified could be resolved at a reasonable cost and within a reasonable timeframe
• The trail’s distinctive “point of difference” (i.e. the ‘wow factor’)
Following a short-listing process, the TAG made recommendations to the Funding Committee. The Funding Committee made the final decisions about which proposals would proceed to feasibility.
3. What is the Technical Assessment Group?
The Technical Assessment Group (TAG) is a team of specialists with legal, engineering, business and cycling industry expertise. The New Zealand Transport Agency is also represented on the TAG. The Group is chaired by the New Zealand Cycle Trail Programme Manager, John Dunn.
4. How many concept proposals did you get?
54
5. What happens to the unsuccessful applicants?
It is hoped that the considerable investment made by the communities in their proposals is not lost. The TAG felt many of the trails deserve to be built and encourage the unsuccessful applicants to explore other funding mechanisms and options to develop their trail.
6. Can applicants challenge the decision, or ask the Funding Committee to review it?
No. However, applicants are welcome to seek specific feedback on their proposal from the Ministry. It is then up to the applicants to decide whether to share that information with the public.
7. Why were they unsuccessful?
All the applications were of a high standard. Nonetheless, with a limited funding pool, prioritising the trails was important and that has meant the ones going through to feasibility were considered “simply superior”.
8. Was it a deliberate decision to spread the trails relatively evenly between the north and sound islands?
No, each project was evaluated on its merits.
9. What happened to the “Cape Reinga to Bluff” cycleway?
With the limited funding available, the initial focus of the project has always been to develop a series of ‘Great Rides’ – a similar concept to the Conservation Estate’s Great Walks. The development of Great Rides will support regional clusters of economic and employment activity. They will also cater to a range of tourism experiences and provide a variety of cycling styles at varying levels of ability.
Once the trails are built there will be a network of about 2000 kilometres of iconic cycle trails available to local and international cycling enthusiasts.
10. Will there be another round of funding?
Our focus is on the current funding available. Nonetheless, there is a groundswell of support for this project and perhaps once the Great Rides are established and a proven success, a further network of trails may be considered.
11. What happens once the feasibility studies are completed?
The feasibility studies are expected to be completed by 31 May 2010. The Technical Assessment Group will then review them and make recommendations to the Funding Committee. Applicants will then be asked to submit a final Business Case. The Business Case will need to demonstrate, among other things, the resolution of any outstanding issues.
12. How many of these Phase Two trails will you actually build?
We want all the trails to be built but the final outcome will depend on the feasibility studies and business cases.
13. When will know which ones will be built?
We expect to make an announcement around October this year.
14. How many jobs will these trails generate?
The number and type of jobs the trails will generate will be explored and developed as part of the feasibility study and business case. Work and Income will work with project applicants to support people into cycle trail jobs.