Helping hand for outdoor access projects

Work has begun on nine access-enhancing projects awarded funding through the 2013 round of the Enhanced Access Fund.

Funding of $63,464 was awarded in this year's funding round to support collaborative projects that enhance enduring access in New Zealand's great outdoors.

The largest grant this year was $20,000, which went to Te Araroa Trust to assist negotiations for new, improved routes on Te Araroa Pathway. The 3,000km pathway traverses the length of New Zealand, from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

Other organisations receiving larger grants were Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway Society ($12,000), to survey and create an easement that will provide enduring access for Te Ara Kahikatea Walkway and Cycleway, near Te Puke, and Sustainable Wairarapa ($8,000), to create a public access easement and walking track across private land between Carter Reserve and the Ruamahanga River, near Carterton.

Commission Chief Executive Mark Neeson said the criteria for funding had been tightened for the 2013 round to give greater priority to projects that obtain certain and enduring access through negotiation and legal processes.

“I want to thank all the hard working groups that took the time to apply for funding this year. It's clear that there are some absolutely amazing projects in the works and that has made this year's funding selection process particularly tough.â€