The Prime Minister’s announcement today that the Hauraki Plains Trail is one of the 7 quick starts for the National Cycleway project is excellent news and some of the more positive for the Hauraki District in recent times.

The Hauraki District has been blessed with some of the most stunning scenery and historic heritage features in the New Zealand and these have progressively been opened up for the public and tourists alike by the work of the Council and the Department of Conservation.

“It is my opinion that the Karangahake Gorge area, which was voted one of the 7 wonders in the Waikato Region in 2008, is a “national treasure” and the opening up of access by the Hauraki Plains Trail will result in a significant boost to local and national tourism” stated Deputy Mayor Mary Carmine.

The Council, the Hauraki Rail Trust and the Waihi Walkways groups’ dream for a nationally significant walking and cycling route through the Hauraki District will now come to fruition in the immediate future and will be a shot in the arm for the tourism sector. It is anticipated that a number of local businesses will be actively involved with the planning and development of the trail.

The timing of the announcement could not have come at a better time with the Major Regional Initiative, the $20 million dollar Waihi Gold Discover Centre Project about to seek resource consents with initial site works and construction planned to start this coming construction session.

Council will be confirming at its Ordinary Meeting on Thursday 30 July 2009 whether works that it has already included in future years in its LTCCP should be brought forward to fit in with the Government’s proposed funding timetable.

For further information contact:

Deputy Mayor
Mary Carmine
021 045 1650

Or

Chief Executive
Langley Cavers
021 437 245