Hauraki District Council is welcoming a further $400,000 in Government funding to help repair storm damage on the Hauraki Rail Trail, one of our district’s best-loved community and visitor assets.
Alongside its regular repairs and maintenance role, Hauraki District Council is also putting additional funding into the Trail by matching the Government contribution received, recognising how important the Trail is to our local economy, our towns, and the people who use it every day.
The latest funding, provided through The Great Ride of New Zealand Fund, builds on the $300,000 announced earlier this year for urgent safety work after the Ōhinemuri River flooded in January, major storm events throughout early 2026 and the impact of Cyclone Vaianu in March 2026. Together, this takes total Government support for the Trail’s recovery to $700,000.
Hauraki District Council worked alongside the Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust to support the funding applications, including providing technical and financial input.
Mayor Toby Adams says the funding is welcome news for Hauraki, especially because much of the worst damage from the January weather event was in our district.
“The Hauraki Rail Trail is a really important part of Hauraki’s tourism and local economy. It brings visitors into our towns, supports local jobs and businesses, and gives our communities a great place to walk, ride and connect,” Mayor Adams says.
“The January flooding caused real damage, and a large share of that damage was here in our rohe. We knew we needed to stand beside the Rail Trail Trust and help make the strongest possible case for support. This additional $400,000 is a big step forward, and Council is proud to do its bit — through matched funding, practical support and the day-to-day care that helps keep the Trail safe and enjoyable.”
The Hauraki Rail Trail attracts more than 77,800 visitors each year and contributes around $12 million annually to the local economy. That visitor spend flows through to accommodation, cafes, hospitality, transport, retail, tourism experiences and other local services across Hauraki and neighbouring districts.
The Trail is also one of New Zealand’s 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides, offering an accessible, family-friendly ride through some of our most special places, including Paeroa, Waihī and the Karangahake Gorge.
Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust Chief Executive Diane Drummond says the extra funding recognises both the scale of the damage and the value of the Trail to the wider region.
“This funding is a very welcome boost for the Trail and for the communities and businesses connected to it,” Ms Drummond says.
“The support from Hauraki District Council has been important from the start. They understand the local impact and have helped us keep the focus on getting the Trail repaired, safe and ready for riders, walkers and visitors.”
Mayor Adams says the Trail’s recovery is about more than fixing a path.
“When the Trail is accessible and safe, our communities feel the benefit. Visitors spend time and money at the businesses along the way and have a great experience doing it. That's another reason to invest.”
Repair work is focused on damaged Trail surfaces, riverbank edges, structures and access points, particularly in the Karangahake Gorge section. The goal is to restore affected areas and make sure the Trail remains safe, welcoming and accessible for locals and visitors.
Hauraki District Council will continue working with the Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust and funding partners to support the recovery and long-term care of the Trail, including the regular repairs and maintenance that help keep it safe, welcoming and well-used.
