Tukituki Trails extension kicks off and creates local jobs

Works to extend Central Hawke’s Bay’s (CHB) Tukituki Trails cycling and walking network kicked off today,following a blessing by local kaumatua, Ngavii Pekepo.  The developments 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 prioritising 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
• Extension of stop bank trails on Western side of the Tukituki river (the ‘Pukeora Loop’), approximately 12km.
• 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 visit, live and play.”

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.

10 December 2020

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