Key Takeaways:
- The Department of Conservation (DOC) has eased its restrictions on building new bike trails in 11 out of 16 regions, allowing for more flexible and case-by-case assessments.
- The change has led to a significant reduction in the backlog of concession applications, from 1300 to 550, and processing times have sped up by three times.
- The government plans to reform the Conservation Act next year, aiming to strike a balance between conservation values and economic growth.
- Cycle trail builders and operators are supportive of the changes, but emphasize the importance of ensuring that trails are built in the right places and with minimal environmental impact.
- The Great Rides alone have grown into a $1.3 billion industry, mostly benefiting the provinces, and the sector is expected to continue growing with the new changes.
Introduction to the Issue
The development of new bike trails in New Zealand has been hindered by outdated regulations and a rigid application process. However, recent changes have eased restrictions in 11 out of 16 regions, allowing for more flexible and case-by-case assessments. This shift has been welcomed by cycle trail builders and operators, who have been working to create new trails and promote the industry. The changes have also led to a significant reduction in the backlog of concession applications, from 1300 to 550, and processing times have sped up by three times.
The Challenges Faced by Trail Builders
Trail builders like Dave Howard and John Wellington have faced significant challenges in developing new trails. They have had to navigate a complex and time-consuming application process, which has often resulted in delays and increased costs. The rigid application of the Conservation General Policy has been a major obstacle, with many regions having few potential trails listed on their schedules. This has meant that new builds have hit a brick wall, and existing trails have been left in limbo. For example, the Kawarau Gorge trail, which was ready to go in 2018, was put on hold due to the policy, resulting in additional costs and delays.
The Turning Point
The turning point came when Pete Masters and others used a trail in Tongariro as a test case to challenge the rigid grip of the Conservation General Policy. The test case was successful, and 11 out of 16 DOC regions began easing up on trail building in the last year or so. This has allowed trail builders to move forward with new projects, and the industry is expected to continue growing. The success of the test case has also led to changes in the way that DOC approaches trail building, with a greater emphasis on flexibility and case-by-case assessments.
The Current State of Trail Building
The current state of trail building is one of cautious optimism. While there have been significant improvements in some regions, others remain largely locked up. The application process has sped up, and officials now see biking in the bush as legitimate, not just tramping. However, there are still challenges to be overcome, and the industry is waiting with bated breath for the government’s plans to reform the Conservation Act next year. The reforms are expected to strike a balance between conservation values and economic growth, and will likely have a significant impact on the industry.
The Future of Trail Building
The future of trail building looks promising, with the government planning to reform the Conservation Act next year. The reforms are expected to make the system more enabling and easier to navigate, while ensuring that conservation values are protected. Guided biking and e-biking may be allowed as part of low-impact activities exempt from needing a concession or pre-approved with a simple online application process. The reforms will also likely address the issue of e-bikes on trails, with the current ban on e-bikes on the Timber Trail near Taumarunui expected to be lifted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the development of new bike trails in New Zealand has been hindered by outdated regulations and a rigid application process. However, recent changes have eased restrictions in 11 out of 16 regions, allowing for more flexible and case-by-case assessments. The industry is expected to continue growing, with the Great Rides alone having grown into a $1.3 billion industry. The government’s plans to reform the Conservation Act next year will likely have a significant impact on the industry, and trail builders and operators are cautiously optimistic about the future. As Dave Howard said, "We’re through the dark days," and the industry is looking forward to a brighter future.
