16 November 2001 Media Advisory

Maharey to meet first social entrepreneur

Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey joins Geoff Chapple, the first social entrepreneur to receive funding under the new Government scheme which backs local people making a difference in their communities.

For over three years, Geoff Chapple has been developing Te Araroa – the Long Pathway – a walkway which will eventually span the length of the country from Cape Reinga to the Bluff. To date he has put in forty kilometres of trails which knit together existing trails in the North Island. Mr Chapple has now received funding under the social entrepreneurship scheme to give him financial support to spend time developing the next phase of his vision – to extend the Long Pathway into the South Island.

Total funding worth $900,000 a year was provided in the Budget to support Social Entrepreneurs. It is estimated that this will enable between 15 and 20 social entrepreneurs to be supported each year.

ENDS

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