Tukituki Trails extension to create jobs and boost local business
Work has begun on a project to nearly double the length of a popular Central Hawke’s Bay cycling and walking network.
A blessing to mark the start of the Tukituki Trail extension was held yesterday (Thursday) morning in Waipukurau by local kaumatua, Ngavii Pekepo.
The developments to the existing trail which runs by the Tukituki River between Waipukurau and Waipawa, include the completion of the western ‘Pukeora loop’ and the construction of 10 kilometres of new trails in the Gum Tree Mountain Biking reserve.
The project is funded through the government’s “Provincial Growth Fund: Covid-19 response – redeployment and acceleration” fund, launched in May this year. The fund is administered by MBIE which aims to specifically redeploy workers who have been displaced by Covid-19, fund programmes beyond the Council’s existing work programme and prioritise vulnerable groups that are most likely to suffer job losses.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council (CHBDC) successfully applied for $750,000 to fund improvements to the Trails and has worked with the Ministry of Social Development, alongside the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs, to 12 local people.
The project will be coordinated by CHBDC as the fund recipient but will involve input from its key partners including Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) and the Rotary River Pathways Trust (RRPT).
The project has five key aspects including; minor upgrades to the existing river berm walking and mountain bike trails, construction of new river berm walking and mountain bike trails, adjacent to the new Pukeora Loop, construction of 10km of new mountain bike trails in the adjacent Gum Tree Mountain Bike Park public reserve, an extension of stopbank trails on the Western side of the Tukituki river (the ‘Pukeora Loop’), approximately 12km, and construction of a 50m (approximately) swing bridge across Black Creek to complete the connection between existing trails and the Pukeora Loop.
Mayor of Central Hawke’s Bay, Alex Walker says: “We are so proud of our Tukituki Trail network and they are widely loved and experienced by locals and visitors. Not only are we now creating jobs for local people to deliver this amazing work, but the end result is going to see everyone having better and more enjoyable access to our great outdoors.
“We have some tough decisions ahead of us over the next year when it comes to funding the necessary improvements to essential infrastructure in CHB. This ‘project specific’ funding through the Provincial Development Unit is so valued as it enables us to continue delivering projects which provide recreation and enjoyment for people, families and visitors alike – making Central Hawke’s Bay a great place to visit, live and play.”
Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash says the project highlights the importance of regional jobs to help accelerate the economic recovery.
"The walkway and cycleway extension will create another 12 kilometres of paths on the other side of the river, connected by a new bridge, along with 10 kilometres of mountain bike trails in a nearby reserve,” Nash said.
"Extending the Tukituki Trail and bridging the river will make an already attractive route even better, providing recreation opportunities for locals, families and visitors.
The extended Tukituki Trail will also boost local business.
“Research shows more domestic visitors to Hawke’s Bay use the region’s cycle trails than international tourists, contributing more than $10 million to the local economy. That’s an important advantage for Hawke’s Bay when international visitor numbers are severely restricted by the Covid-19 crisis.
“It is not only tourism which will be the winner from construction of the extended trail. Local workers and their families will also benefit. The PDU funding is provided on the basis the project will provide jobs for locals, particularly Māori and Pasifika workers.
Nash says the 12 people employed for the project over the next six months, will all be paid the living wage, as well as have individualised pastoral care to help them achieve sustainable employment.
“This is a great project which will provide locals with real, tangible benefits in jobs, business opportunities and a lasting community asset," he said.
Rex Graham, Chair of Chair Hawke’s Bay Regional Council said: “We are delighted to see the Tukituki Trails proposal go ahead. We look forward to adding value to the delivery and maintenance of these popular trails in Central Hawke’s Bay.”
The Tukituki Trails work is due for completion in 2021 and people can continue to access the Trails whilst work takes place.
