Paynes Ford to East Takaka cycleway makes progress
The Golden Bay Cycle and Walk Society is finally making progress on a path along the Takaka River, the first part of a network of recreational pathways across the Bay.
The society’s focus has so far been on connecting the scenic reserve at Paynes Ford to East Takaka along Jamie Ward’s land, and negotiating a crossing over a couple of deep streams.
For the last three years the group has battled tightened funding regimes and investigated land under varying ownership, with bits and pieces variously belonging to Tasman District Council, the Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand or private landowners. Getting this far had not been without its challenges, said society secretary Phil Castle.
“All the cycling and walking groups around the country have had similar issues. DOC, TDC and LINZ have been very supportive, but getting through all the bureaucracies just takes a while. This has delayed us for two years, but it has now been resolved. Keep Golden Bay Beautiful volunteers working on the oxbow plantings have also been very supportive,” said Phil.
After the initial clearance of the first 500 metres, phase two will involve building up the sometimes soft ground along the river and laying down geotech matting, then finally building a small bridge. Pub Charity funding has given the project, which will cost around $20,000, a major financial boost.
Phil praised landowner Jamie Ward for his generosity and vision. “The biggest problem is that most of the land is in private landownership, and if the landowner is not interested you are out of luck and all you can do is negotiate. Jamie Ward was really supportive, and the funding from Pub Charity is helping to make this project possible. It will be a major asset for the Bay, giving the people nice access to the river, and now the work has just got to be done.”
Phil said there were cycleways all over the country that cause no problem to the landowners. “The Otago Rail Trail is a good example. The landowners at first were dead against it and are now the greatest advocates. It brings a lot of money to the region and the people cycling across their properties are often interesting people who love to stop for a chat.”
While the committee members will continue to concentrate on the East Takaka-Paynes Ford connection for the time being, the society will remain true to the original vision—to create a connecting path to Takaka—and will also look into a Waitapu Bridge to Takaka route.
“All journeys start with a first step; all cycleways start with a first bit. For the next two to three weekends we will do the initial clearing and then we will have to do wheelbarrowing all the FXG, which could take many, many weeks, so we now need all hands to the pump.”
Working bees are every Saturday morning, and keen volunteers can contact Phil on 525 6224 for further information.
Ina Holst
