Business side of Motu Trails project begins to take shape

A range of new business opportunities are expected to flow from the establishment of the $1.74 million Motu Trails cycleway in the Gisborne and Eastern Bay of Plenty region.

But many of those wanting to get in on the action are unsure of who to approach for advice and guidance for their potential future business enterprises.

A business development workshop to be held in Opotiki next Tuesday aims to steer these budding entrepreneurs in the right direction.

Set up by the economic development unit of the Gisborne District Council and its Eastern Bay of Plenty counterpart Toi-EDA, the workshop is being held at the Opotiki RSA between 3pm and 6pm. Pre-registration is essential.

Toi-EDA manager Mary Hermanson says over recent months a lot of interest has been generated in the business opportunities the Motu Trails project will generate in future.

“The Gisborne and Opotiki and District Councils have been fielding quite a number of calls from people interested in setting up new businesses to service the expected influx of tourists on bikes,” she says.

“There’s also been interest from those with existing businesses who have recognised an opportunity to expand to provide more, or different, services.”

Mrs Hermanson says construction work on the Pakihi valley section of the Motu Trails cycleway has already begun and the entire project is expected to be completed by the beginning of next summer, late next year.

“People are wanting to know how they can get involved in the business of servicing those who will be coming it our region from around New Zealand and around the world,” she says. “Next week’s workshop is in response to that.”

The workshop will be facilitated by Craig Wilson, who is on the technical panel for the $50 million New Zealand Cycleways project, Nga Haerenga.

Mrs Hermanson says Craig is a great presenter and knows the pitfalls of creating tourism businesses from the ground up, so the advice he dispenses will be of value to many of those expected to attend next week’s workshop.
“We’ve commissioned Craig to present this workshop because we know he will deliver sound advice to those considering new business enterprises based on his many years of doing the work at the coalface.”

Opotiki will host the workshop, but a number of potential future operators are also expected to attend from the settlements of Matawai and Motu, and from the Gisborne district itself.

ENDS

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