Support for the Trail

Prime Minister John Key media release September 2010

"We are investing in the New Zealand Cycle Trail to generate real and lasting economic, social and environmental benefits for New Zealand communities while building our already strong reputation as a premium tourism destination .”

The following extracts are from letters of support received for the Westland Wilderness Trail:

Chris Auchinvole, Member of Parliament for West Coast-Tasman

"I am pleased and very excited that the West Coast is able to participate in the New Zealand Cycle Trail project.Your project clearly fits the criteria that have been established for a series of great cycle-ways around New Zealand. Because you are intending to develop a grade one cycleway there will be significant direct economic benefits to your region."

John Dunn, Programme Manager, New Zealand Cycle Trail

"We believe that your trail will provide a world-class cycling experience that will showcase the best that New Zealand has to offer."

Rosie McGrath, Coordinator, Active West Coast

"Supports the proposal to provide a regional cycle trail on the West Coast for the enjoyment of both tourists and residents."

Jenny Boot, Secretary, Camerons Community Club

"To have the cycleway would encourage visitors (both national and international) to spend longer in the area and because of this, contribute more to the economy."

Mike Slater, Conservator, Department of Conservation

"The route is scenic and should appeal to locals and a broad range of visitors who wish to explore our history, coastline, forests and lake. The cycleway can provide opportunities to grow and develop new or existing businesses and will contribute to creating a sustainable local economy."

Allen Hurley, Chairman, Enterprise Hokitika

"The proposed cycleway will provide for growth of domestic and international tourism opportunities resulting in economic development throughout the region."

Debbie Collings, Secretary, Greymouth Business and Promotion Association Inc.

"The district has a number of good tracks that are currently used by domestic and international visitors, however to be able to link these together to provide an official trail, will only benefit the economy."

Matt and Steph Levien, Managers, Greymouth Seaside Top 10 Holiday Park

"The proposed West National Cycleway will be the beginning of one of the largest tourism attractions on the West Coast."

Matt Lysaght, Manager, Kea Heritage Tours

"The proposed cycleway would add immense value to the existing tourism facilities by bringing additional visitors to the region, enabling greater yield on existing infrastructure facilities and providing the impetus to initiate new business ventures in areas where economic activity can be difficult to sustain."

Christine Brydon, MANZ Greymouth, West Highland Motels

"The West Coast is the most visited region for tourism in New Zealand and as such the trail would give the participants access to all the beauty of our bush, forests and historical sights."

Mark Pinner, Area Manager, West Coast, NZ Transport Agency

"Support the desire to have a dedicated facility for cyclists and pedestrians within the State Highway road reserve."

Colin Smith, Chairman, Paroa Taramakau Coastal Area Trust

"The Trust considers the establishment of the cycle way will be a major boost for small communities along its path. It will provide an additional valuable recreational activity and option for the local communities and also for the further development of tourism potential."

Andrea Forrest, General Manager, Shantytown

"A successful funding application to create a trail initially from Greymouth through to Ross via Kumara and Hokitika will not only contribute towards the aim of the Government with the creation of employment opportunities, but will increase tourism, positively affect the health and wellbeing of users, encourage West Coasters to explore their own back yard and also introduce all participants to the beauty, ruggedness and natural resources through accessible pathways."

Matt Ewen, General Manager, Tourism West Coast

"The envisaged cycleway will benefit the greater West Coast region, if not the whole of New Zealand’s standing as a tourist destination, encouraging a true participation in the tourism experience, and providing visitors to our region the opportunity to get up close and personal our amazing environment."

Ross Scarlett, Chairman, West Coast Regional Council

"Tourism is one of the three main economic drivers in our beautiful region, and the proposed new cycleways (Westland Wilderness Trail and the Seddonville to Lyall Trail) will help boost tourist numbers into the future. There is widespread public support for the construction of these two trails and the four Councils, the Department of Conservation and Development West Coast are unified in their support for the proposals."

Ross Scarlett, Chairman, West Coast Regional Transport Committee

"The two new cycleway proposals will help to achieve the objective of “an environment that is safe, convenient, attractive and accessible for walking and cycling is developed”, as both of the proposed new cycleways are located off the main highway and are therefore safer for road users."

Diane Maitland, Secretary, Westland Mountain Bike Club

"Support the initiative of the Westland Wilderness Trust in the application to Ministry of Tourism for funding a “Westland Wilderness Trail”. The addition of a three day cycling trail has the potential to create huge economic benefit for Westland, and the West Coast in general."

Paul Schramm, Manager, Wildwest Adventures

"The proposal from Greymouth to Ross is just the beginning and it would be the seed for a much longer trail that provided opportunities for all types of cyclists. This would increase the West Coast’s desirability as a tourism destination helping grow existing businesses from all sectors and provide opportunities for new businesses."

Janine Dowding, Regional Manager for Social Development, Work and Income

"Many of the unemployed on the coast live in rural areas where employment opportunities are limited. The proposed cycleway navigates through some of the rural areas and will be a great opportunity for many of these clients to secure employment."

Further information is available from council@westlanddc.govt.nz

Location http://www.westlanddc.govt.nz/index.cfm/1,563,0,0,html