News from the field - June 2014

'News from the field' provides a roundup of public access topics being worked on by the Commission's regional field advisors. This month, we hear from John Gibbs (Bay of Plenty and Waikato) and Chris Tonkin (Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast and Kaikoura).

John Gibbs (Bay of Plenty and Waikato) 

John GibbsRight from when I started as the regional field advisor for Bay of Plenty and Waikato I noticed the high level of interest in walking and cycling opportunities among the various communities on the Coromandel Peninsula. This has been reflected by a raft of enquiries ranging from problems with access on public land and applications for Enhanced Access Fund support for projects underway, to proposals for new walking and cycling tracks.

There are several community groups scattered around the peninsula which are actively developing and managing tracks and cycleways. Some of them are integrating this work with conservation projects to control pests and weeds, as well as plantings to enhance biodiversity and amenity.  In addition, the Thames Coromandel District Council is developing a plan to create a “great walkâ€