Queenstown Trails Trusts Recognises Support of Charitable Trusts

The Queenstown Trails Trust is today recognising the invaluable support from the Community Trust of Southland and the Central Lakes Trust in providing $1m grants respectively towards the development of the spectacular 110km Queenstown Trail.

Trails Trust CEO Mandy Kennedy says the significant financial contributions from both Trusts were, from the outset, crucial to the success of the proposed trail.

“It was the Central Lakes Trust’s implicit belief in our ability to deliver our vision for the Queenstown Trail that initially launched the $6m project. The Trust was the first to commit substantial funding which in turn helped persuade other partners to come on board. Without that commitment we would have been unable to achieve our goal so quickly.”

She says the Community Trust of Southland also went the extra mile for the Trails Trust.

“Our application for a $1m grant was lodged at the time of the global financial crisis, when the Trust had just $3m to distribute, and applications totalling around $11m. We were privileged that the Trust chose to approve out grant, paying in instalments, with the final payment this financial year.”

“Both Trusts showed incredible faith in the Trails Trust and its ability to raise $6m to create the network of trails throughout the Wakatipu Basin. Their confidence was well placed and today the Queenstown Trail is the most used trail in the country, attracting 295,000 users since it opened in October 2012.”

“It is important to celebrate and show our gratitude to the two local Trusts who do so much for organisations like ours in the region,” says Ms Kennedy. “With this in mind we have invited the leaders of the Trusts to Queenstown today to inspect the Queenstown Trail first-hand and enjoy our local hospitality.”

Central Lakes Trust CEO Paul Allison says the development of the Queenstown Trail has been an outstanding achievement and he paid tribute to the Trails Trust for spearheading it.

“This was only the tenth time in our history that Central Lakes Trust has committed a $1m grant or more to a single project. The people involved had the leadership, drive and perseverance to meet all our expectations and we are extremely impressed with the result – a world-class facility right here on our doorstep for locals and visitors to use. The trail’s high use to date is testament to the quality of this magnificent project and the benefit it will provide to future generations.”

Community Trust of Southland CEO John Prendergast says the Queenstown Trail is an excellent example of organisations working together to create an important community asset.

“In this case the Queenstown Trail meets the demands of both locals and tourists but we are particularly pleased that Wakatipu residents now have access to such a significant recreational amenity which is providing a world-class cycling and walking experience. We are very proud to be associated with such a successful project.”

Today’s programme includes an inspection of the trail, from the vantage of the Kawarau River, courtesy of Kawarau Jet, followed by a 10km cycle ride using e-bikes provided by Charge About cycles. A lunch hosted by Amisfield Winery will complete the day’s activities.

“All these Queenstown businesses have been most supportive of the Queenstown Trails Trust and have a strong understanding of how beneficial the Queenstown Trail is to the Wakatipu economy,” says Ms Kennedy. “We would like to thank them for their on-going support which enables us to showcase the Queenstown Trail so well.”

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