Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail (NZCT) project will sign its contract for the Motu Trails today.

The contract for $1.74 million will be signed at a formal event at the Opotiki District Council Chamber starting at 5pm.

The Motu Trails project is a joint initiative of the Opotiki District Council, Department of Conservation, Gisborne District Council, Whakatohea Maori Trust Board and The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

John Dunn, NZCT Programme Manager says Opotiki District Council and other partners had done an excellent job on the feasibility planning for the Motu Trails making today’s contract signing possible.

“I see the Motu Trails as a catalyst for economic development,” Mr Dunn says. “The cycle trails are important in their own right, but at the end of the day the Government is making a $1.74 million investment in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and Poverty Bay communities.

“A key objective of the new Motu Trails project is to create more jobs in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and Poverty Bay regions both during the construction phase and but more importantly in the longer term by creating a sustainable, year-round tourism offering,” Mr Dunn says.

Opotiki Mayor John Forbes says the Motu Trails cycleway is a very positive development for the Eastern Bay of Plenty and Poverty Bay region.

"It will create opportunities and will help sustain our businesses. It will be good for the locals, good for Kiwis and good for overseas visitors. This cycleway will be located in a sunny part of New Zealand and will provide a great opportunity to enjoy what is a pristine environment,” Mayor Forbes says.

"We are very pleased to be involved with this week's major milestone, the signing of the agreement with the Ministry of Economic Development, and to be working together on this project with central Government, our neighbouring Territorial Local Authority, Gisborne, and with the Department of Conservation.

"Overall this is a great community initiative and everyone in Opotiki is really looking forward to getting on and creating the Motu Trails."

The Motu Trails start at Matawai, 70 km from Gisborne and finish in Opotiki, 55 km from Whakatane. Along the way the trail takes in the Old Motu Coach Road, and the Pakihi Track. There are views of the Pacific Ocean, Motuhora, Whakaari; and of bush clad peaks, river valleys and waterfalls.

It will offer visitors the opportunity to cycle about 120km, linking Opotiki town with the coastline, the Motu and Toatoa areas of the hinterland and the Pakihi valley. It will also provide entry to Motu Village, Matawai, and the Waioeka Gorge area through to Gisborne.

“The contract will help accomplish the goals of the New Zealand Cycle Trail project which are to generate lasting economic, social and environmental benefits for New Zealand communities through a network of world class cycling experiences. This project will enhance New Zealand’s reputation as a premium tourist destination,” Mr Dunn says.

For more information on Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail Project, please go to: www.tourism.govt.nz/cycleway

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