19 April 2013

Hawke’s Bay Trails reflects on NZCT International Award

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Chairman, Fenton Wilson, is keen to acknowledge the International Trails Symposium award presented to the New Zealand Cycle Trail, which includes Hawke’s Bay Trails.

“It’s a national product, within which Hawke’s Bay Trails is a popular ‘Big Ride’ in the network,” said Mr Wilson.

“Full credit must go to the NZCT team, and the team of local staff from our councils and contractors, who have made the nearly 200 kilometres of Hawke’s Bay Trails such a valuable asset and contribution to the 23-trail strong network. Good promotion and marketing has also put our trail firmly on the map,” added Mr Wilson.

John Dunn is the Project Manager for New Zealand Cycle Trails, and he commented enthusiastically on the award, “Being recognised by our peers means we can now say with conviction that the New Zealand Cycle Trail is truly world-class.”

“This was only achieved by an alignment and partnership developed across the entire project. Everyone from the Prime Minister, to all the Government Agencies and private land owners who worked to unlock land access, to the 23 trail teams, their volunteers and contractors, who produced the network that resulted in this award,” said Mr Dunn.

The inaugural International Trail Symposium was held in Phoenix, Arizona and the New Zealand Cycle Trail was one of three international trails to be recognised. The other two trails were on the South Korean Island of Jeju (overall winner), and the 16,800km Trans Canada Trail.

The International award recognises an outstanding project or partnership, demonstrating outstanding planning, design, or implementation and enhancing the overall trails movement worldwide.

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