News from the Wakatipu Trails Trust
Monday 16 July 2007

Funding boost supports Trails Trust vision

An ambitious ten year vision for the Wakatipu Trails Trust took a significant step forward today with the announcement that Queenstown-based tandem skydive company NZONE has committed $4,000 to the Trust.

According to the Wakatipu Trails Trust Executive, Tina Haslett, use of local trails is growing year on year, but problems arise when tracks are built without provision for their ongoing maintenance.

“This an unfortunate issue because it can jeopardise applications for funding to get new trails built,” says Ms Haslett.

“Money from organisations like NZONE will allow us to develop a blueprint which clearly sets out what must be done to keep a track functional in its early stages for the many hundreds of thousands of walks, runs and cycle rides they’re used for.”

Established in 2002, the Wakatipu Trails Trust is focused on fundraising, trail governance and community advocacy.

“There’s an assumption that the Trails Trust is in charge of all local tracks, but we don’t own any land. We’re mostly a voluntary group motivated to caretake trails in the interim period between them being built and having a longer term management agreement,” says Ms Haslett.

Getting a new trail open is often just the first hurdle; securing an agreement for the ongoing maintenance is the biggest challenge.

“Until a trail is established, it’s difficult to secure agreement from the authorities for their long term care. Often a new trail needs time to prove itself before the level of ongoing work can be agreed to. This is where the Trails Trust fills a temporary role, caring for new trails during the early periods. It’s a critical time in the development of a trail, so it’s wonderful to have corporate funding to help us manage it.”

Funding from NZONE, committed over the next two years, has already been earmarked for a new Trails Trust initiative to help maintain the Jardine Park to Jacks Point track until a long term maintenance agreement is secured.

“We are hopeful that the Department of Conservation will eventually assume responsibility for this trail.”

“NZONE’s generous sponsorship was all we needed to put into action a programme to care for this trail during the transitional period, and we’re hopeful that other organisations will follow this example.”

“We have a great group of 350 volunteers, but it’s historically difficult to attract financial support for the short term trail maintenance that’s the backbone of the world-class trail and cycle network we’re determined to establish.”

Robynne Williams, general manager for NZONE, says she’d researched a number of environmental projects to support, but the Trails Trust stood out.

“Tandem skydiving is our passion and flying is a fundamental aspect of our business, but we’re also acutely aware of the impact our operations have on the environment,” says Ms Williams.

“Getting behind the Trails Trust with financial and physical support is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability. It’s incredibly exciting and rewarding to get involved in a project that’s on our doorstep and right in the middle of the area our business operates in.”

For ten years, environmental efficiencies have been in place across NZONE’s business.

“We work as close to zero-waste as possible by implementing waste management, recycling and vehicle efficiency programmes,” says Ms Williams.

The Jardine Park to Jacks Point track trail maintenance project will include spraying, line trimming, pruning and small culvert work. Volunteers are encouraged to contact the Trails Trust to take part. Work is scheduled to begin in early Spring.

“The success of our trails network relies heavily on keeping the routes clear of natural debris, making sure they’re safe and easily accessible. This can’t be done without money and many hands on deck,” says Ms Haslett.

ENDS

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