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Funding available for projects enhancing outdoor access

Posted under: Media release

Published 28 January 2015

Groups working on projects to improve access to the New Zealand outdoors still have a month left to apply for funding through the Enhanced Access Fund's fourth and final 2014-2015 funding round.

The fund is managed by the New Zealand Walking Access Commission to support projects that provide free, certain, enduring and practical outdoor access for the public.

New Zealand Walking Access Commission Chief Executive Mark Neeson said a maximum of $25,000 was available to any one project, and a total of $76,000 had been made available across this financial year's four funding rounds.

“The Enhanced Access Fund supports the initiative of people who put their time and effort into improving access to the outdoors,” Mr Neeson said.

“Projects that will create new public access over private land with agreement from landholders are given the highest priority for funding, while the installation of stiles, signs or other activities that improve existing public access are also eligible.”

Applications for the fourth funding round close on 28 February 2015, and will be assessed on the quality of the project plan, the ability of the project team to complete the project and the quality of the outcome.

Enhanced Access Fund grants awarded in the 2014-2015 year have included $10,000 to the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust to support completion of the Great Taste Trail, $3,900 to Aramoana Environmental & Education Charitable Trust for surveying and legal costs associated with a new walkway at Aramoana Beach in Shoal Bay, and $8,000 to Hikuai District Trust to support creation of a walking and cycling trail between Pauanui and Tairua.

Other 2014-2015 grant recipients have included Northland's Waipu Lion's Club, which was granted $8,000 to support creation of the final section of a coastal walkway from Waipu Beach to Langs Cove, and Golden Bay landowner Baerbel Hack, who received $10,000 to assist with planning and development of a publicly accessible track to Paton's Rock Beach from Grant Road, just off the Takaka-Collingwood Highway.

Application forms, guidelines and further details about the application process are available in the Enhanced Access Fund section of the Commission's website.