Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Riders cross a sand bridge at the Tirohanga end of the Motu Trails. File photos
AT its November annual meeting, Motu Trails Charitable Trust welcomed two new trustees to the table — and said farewell to another.
Gisborne’s Ian Kirkpatrick and Opotiki’s Kieran Hickey have joined the trust, which promotes and helps govern the Motu Trails great ride and Rere Falls Trail heartland ride, both part of The New Zealand Cycle Trail.
Mr Kirkpatrick, former All Blacks captain, is a keen cyclist and has supported the trust’s fundraising Rere Falls Trail Adventure Rides.
Mr Hickey also cycles and has held volunteer roles with Motu Challenge, Opotiki Volunteer Fire Brigade and other community organisations.
Dave Emslie, who has been part of the trust since it was established in 2010, stepped down from the role.
“We thank Dave for more than six years of commitment to the Motu Trails including three years as the trust chairman,” said current chair Kathy Sheldrake.
“Over that time, the Motu Trails has advanced from being an exciting idea to being one of the leading visitor attractions of the wider region.”
“Now it is fantastic to welcome Ian and Kieran on board,” she said.
“The trails have gained a substantial awareness and are helping to bring people to our district as well as being a superb asset for locals.
“At Motu, the Motu Community House Trust has said that, since the trails were launched, their bookings and inquiries have increased each year. That’s continuing to build as people return for a second time with friends or family.”
The trust is looking to continue to support positive growth, she said.
“Cycle trails have come into their own in recent years. We need to seize the opportunity they give us.”
She thanked the many and diverse supporters of Motu Trails Charitable Trust.
The trust runs a Motu Trails business partner programme, which now has 24 official partners.
In the past year, Whakatane Holiday Park, Drifts and Boutique Accommodation in Ohope, Pak‘n Save Gisborne, TMS Sport, and Gisborne Tours have joined up.
The Motu Trails has two corporate sponsors, OPAC and Horizon Energy Group, bringing vital funds to the trust.
Other key funding or support in the past year has come from Lion Foundation, The Southern Trust, Fonterra, New Zealand Post Community Post, and individuals.
The Gisborne, Opotiki and Whakatane District Councils and Department of Conservation have all backed the trust’s work.