Nominations open for outdoors access champions

The Walking Access Commission is calling for nominations of people and groups who champion public access to the outdoors. Nominations are open until 11 November 2018.

The Outdoor Access Champion Awards have been running since 2013. They recognise individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to public access to the outdoors. This might include building new tracks and trails, securing new legal access, or championing public rights of access.

"These awards thank some of New Zealand's amazing kaitiaki who open up the outdoors to the public," said Ric Cullinane, Chief Executive of the Walking Access Commission.

"Think about the champions in your local community - both individuals and groups - and nominate them for an award," said Ric Cullinane.

Anyone can make a nomination via the Commission’s website, walkingaccess.govt.nz, before 5pm on 11 November 2018.

Last year’s award winners included:

- The Omaui Tracks Trust, which worked to form a new walking track from the Omaui Scenic Reserve in Southland. It provides Southlanders and visitors with a new outdoor experience to the top of Omaui Hill, with a fine view of Foveaux Strait and Bluff Harbour.

- The Green Hut Track Group, whose members have been volunteering for 20 years, working with everyone in the environmental and recreation sector in Dunedin. Last year they carried out more than 2500 hours of track maintenance.

- The Waikato River Trails Trust, which has worked for over a decade to develop a network of trails along the Waikato, with the aim of bringing visitors to the beautiful South Waikato.

- Rod Brown, who led efforts to open public access to a hidden waterfall in central Kerikeri, which had been unavailable for decades.

ENDS

© Scoop Media