23 July 2014
For immediate release
Cycleways bring economic benefit to communities
An increasing number of cycleways are attracting tourists to regions and scenic parts of New Zealand and a special
session at the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference demonstrated how the economic impact of these bike paths
are measured.
Local communities invested $30 million into Nga Haerenga , the New Zealand Cycle Trail network of cycle trails run
throughout the country. The intention was that the trails, predominantly off-road, would showcase the environment,
landscape, heritage and culture of New Zealand while generating economic, social and environmental benefits for
communities.
LGNZ held an in-depth master class session on funding models and assessing the economic impact of cycleways, as part of
its conference at Nelson, for specialised council staff, elected members and local government stakeholders.
The session, chaired by Dunedin City Council Mayor Dave Cull, explored how different local authorities have funded their
cycleways and some of the challenges councils have in funding these, and what councils have found to be the economic
impact of cycleways in their jurisdiction.
Speakers included Opotiki District Council Chief Executive Aileen Lawrie, Wellington City Councillor Andy Foster,
Hastings District Council Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers, NZ Transport Agency Group Manager Planning and Investment Dave
Brash and Tasman District Council Mayor Richard Kempthorne. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Policy
Analyst Mark Walter joined the panel discussion.
LGNZ President Lawrence Yule says local and central government need to work together to secure funding and get cycleway
projects across the line.
“Cycleways are an integral part of the transport network in many places as part of their commuter network. We want to
build this capability together so communities can benefit from the tourism and lifestyle enhancements that well-built
cycleways can offer.”
The session was kindly sponsored by NZ Transport Agency.
The 2014 LGNZ Conference took place 20-22 July at Nelson, with more than 550 local government delegates attending to
take part in master class sessions, hear presentations from high profile speakers about significant issues and
opportunities facing the sector. The theme of the conference was Powering Local Economies, Building Vibrant Communities.
*Ends*