$90k to trails trust to push marketing

Cyclists cross a swing bridge on the Pakihi Track, part of the network of cycle trails managed by the Motu Trails Charitable Trust. Trust Tairāwhiti has committed $90,000 over the next three years to the trails trust for marketing and promotion. Picture by Kirk Kenny, Studio Zag

The Motu Trails Charitable Trust will receive $90,000 from Trust Tairāwhiti over three years to boost their marketing and promotions to attract more visitors to the region.

That was one of 11 applications approved in the trust’s latest funding round, totalling $179,556.

Motu Trails Charitable Trust manages cycle trails between Gisborne and Opōtiki and is responsible for a range of activities including trail construction, advocacy and marketing. It promotes the popular Rere Falls Trail and the wider Tairāwhiti region.

The Gisborne Chardonnay Affair, a series of events held to coincide with International Chardonnay Day, received $10,000 towards event marketing. The annual Chardonnay Affair attracts visitors from all over the country to sample the best of local wines and cuisine.

Landowners of Te Kuri Farm walkway will receive $9000 over three years to go towards maintenance costs. The walkway on Shelley Road has public access and is enjoyed by many in the community, with about 6200 trackers in the past year.

Other successful applicants were:

WorkSafe — $10,000 to support kaimahi engagement and attendance at regional leadership wananga over the next six months.

Waimata Catchment Group — $10,000 towards resourcing a project manager to work with landowners affected by sediment and erosion in the lower Waimata catchment.

Tairāwhiti Outward Bound Course —  $10,000 contribution to support rangatahi from the region to attend the Outward Bound Regional Schools Programme.

Rotary Young Driver Awareness — $9056 towards providing a best-practice, evidence-based road safety programme that equips young drivers with the tools to make good choices on the road.

Family Works Tairāwhiti — $10,000 towards the parenting programme Building Awesome Whānau that aims to enable parents to be better equipped to raise their tamariki.

Citizen’s Advice Bureau — $10,000 to support their operational costs. CAB offers legal advice, clinics and guidance for individuals so they can take informed action and work for positive change.

Taki Rua Productions Society Incorporated —  $10,000 to support their national te reo Māori season at schools and community venues.

East Coast Museum of Technology —  $1500 towards new information signage to help customers navigate the museum.

Each application had to demonstrate community outcomes that align with the Trust’s wellbeing framework, He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora.

The trust’s next funding round closes on June 16.