A visionary trail
Transcending far beyond a simple trail, we sat down with Meg Eriksen, Fundraising and Marketing Manager for The Matakana Coast Trail Trust, to give us an update on where things stand for this ambitious and inspiring project.
What is the vision behind The Matakana Coast Trail Trust and its significance to the local community?
The Matakana Coast Trail Trust (MCTT) envisions creating a trail that showcases the beauty of our region, that connects people with nature, encourages outdoor activities, and fosters a sense of community pride. It's about preserving our environment while providing a space for locals and visitors to explore and enjoy our stunning coastal region. The trail will bring tremendous benefits to our community. It will connect our communities in the face of rapid urbanisation, and keep our children safe and healthy. Economically, it is estimated we will see $96 million of additional consumer spend, likely in tourism infrastructure, accommodation and hospitality industry throughout the wider region.
What challenges have you faced in garnering support for the project?
The community support for this project is phenomenal and we have full endorsement from the local board and governing bodies. The biggest challenge that we face is securing funding from the public purse in this current economic climate. We are optimistic that the change in government will help our cause, but we understand we need to be patient and persistent.
Can you provide updates on the trail development?
We're thrilled to share that we're making significant strides in the trail development. This summer marks the beginning of construction in two key areas:
• Grange Street to Muncaster Road (Snells Beach) - This is approximately 350 metres in length and involves the establishment of trail surface, boardwalks, culverts, fences and a bridge. The entire project has been executed on a shoestring budget with amazing community support. We are very grateful to Matakana ITM for supplying the bridge materials and Hutchinson Consulting for all the Engineering requirements.
• Matakana Country Park - Whilst we don't have the funding to build the entire 2.2 kilometre stretch from Point Wells to The Country Park, we have secured a grant that allows us to start construction within the Country Park boundary, which is approximately 300 metres of trail.
It's not every day that a local project partners with a renowned agency like Saatchi and Saatchi. Can you share more about this collaboration and what it means for the Matakana Coast Trail?
Partnering with Saatchi and Saatchi is like having a creative powerhouse join our trail family. They're helping us on a pro bono basis to give the MCTT a fresh new look and feel. It's not just about creating a logo – it's capturing the spirit of our community, the essence of the trail, and telling its unique story to a wider audience. We can’t wait to reveal our fresh new look and identity, so stay tuned.
How can the local community get involved and contribute to the success of the Matakana Coast Trail?
Well, if you have a million or two spare that would be super helpful! There are numerous ways for the community to get involved. We welcome volunteers for various tasks, from trail maintenance, construction, project management to event organisation. Individual donations, corporate sponsorships, or participating in our fundraising events. Every contribution, big or small, plays a vital role in bringing the Matakana Coast Trail to life.
www.MCTT.org.nz | meg@MCTT.org.nz