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A sense of community involvement and anticipation growing. (By John Schollum)

 

At a meeting on Tuesday 19^th January 2010 facilitated by Tracy Dalton (Chairperson, Western Community Board), 20 people representing local communities, local government and iwi agencies affected by the proposed Hokianga to Opua Cycle / Rail Trail had an opportunity to talk about the real opportunities that are emerging.

	John Schollum Community Board Member

 

There was agreement that the project was a catalyst for a sustainable economic stimulus for the area. Opportunities such as Bed and Breakfasts being established, existing accommodation being extended, telling the story of early Maori and European settlement in the area, increasing the number of transport operators, and growing the visitor attractions already in place were discussed.

 

The Far North District Council Chief Executive Officer David Edmunds outlined the Feasibility Study that was completed just before Christmas and is now being reviewed in Wellington. This study outlined the total costs of providing a cycleway / walkway between Horeke and Kawakawa and to assist the Bay Of Island Vintage Railway to complete the Kawakawa to Opua link. A copy of the feasibility study was given to participants. 

 

Hikuranga Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Liana Stupples, also outlined the role her organisation could give to the group by way of facilitating other agencies’ involvement and support for low impact tourism development in areas like the Hokianga Harbour.

 

Discussions around branding the link came up with a number of suggestions but this part of the project was put on hold for community input. Community involvement was a major theme of the meeting with local ownership and governance seen as extremely important to the ongoing success of the Hokianga to Opua Cycle / Rail Trail. There was a sense that the trail was going to be remarkable and a real winner as it had the potential to provide visitors and users a real taste of a unique experience only Northland can provide.

 

At the end of the meeting a list of short term and medium / long term goals was established. It was recognised that the Hokianga to Opua Cycle / Rail Trail began as a community initiative and is the result of some long hard work by a small number of people. The project does not have a large corporation or agency behind it and the workload continues to fall on a small number of people. However people indicated their willingness to get involved and the first major community cleanup of the line between Kaikohe and Okaihau will soon be underway.  A cycleway ‘shop front’ will soon open in Kaikohe where “all the questions you wanted to ask but were afraid to” can be answered.

 

Community involvement is still sought as much needs to be done. Let me know if you can help. Contact John Schollum, Phone 405 2686.