Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy

2017 Contents

1 Introduction 3 2 Vision and Objectives 4 3 Regional and Local Strategic Alignment 5 4 Existing Walking and Cycling Infrastructure 8 5 Key Issues 9 6 Opportunities 12 7 Objectives and Actions 16 8 Implementation Plan 20 9 Maps 26 10 Monitoring and Reporting 34 11 Appendix 1: Additional Strategic Alignment 35

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 2 1. Introduction

his Strategy has been prepared to provide a framework Tto increase walking and cycling participation in the Kaipara district. It includes initiatives to develop and expand walking and cycling networks, for both local journeys as well as long distance touring routes to support economic growth. The Strategy also identifies opportunities for the district to collaborate with key partners to jointly fund and connect key linkages and develop behaviour change initiatives to change attitudes to walking and cycling.

The social, environmental, economic and health benefits of cycling are well understood and there is increasing support and investment in the development of walking and cycling infrastructure. Providing safe and connected walking and cycling networks will take time and money, and this Strategy will provide Kaipara with priorities for investment. Key routes that support local and commuter trips, as well as linkages for recreational and tourism journeys that can provide economic benefits to the region have both been identified. Establishing and prioritising a network of routes will allow Kaipara to take advantage of new and evolving opportunities and pursue partnerships as they arise, maximising the benefits of Council’s investment.

The Strategy

This Strategy considers the local plans for walking and national, regional and local cycling already developed in some frameworks that walking and townships throughout Kaipara. cycling initiatives in the Kaipara Note that this Strategy proposes district seek to align with. In high level projects and initiatives particular, contributing to the that will enhance and expand vision of a regional framework for walking and cycling networks, as Northland, desired by NZ Cycle well as improving road user safety, Trails. Additionally, the Strategy and encouraging and promoting aligns with the national direction these modes. These projects are of the Draft Government Policy listed in the implementation plan Statement (GPS) on Land Transport section of this Strategy. This is not Funding 2018/19 – 2027/28, focused on footpath extensions regional goals of the Tai Tokerau or small scale projects, except Northland Economic Action Plan, where considered a priority. Further Twin Coast Discovery Highway investigation, feasibility and Route Development and the costings of projects is required. Northland Regional Land Transport Plan, and finally, closely reflecting

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 3 2. Vision and Objectives

Image Credit: NZTA

The vision of the Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy is: ‘Working together to enhance walking and cycling in Kaipara’ Council aims to work towards this vision by focusing its efforts on the following three objectives:

1. Become a walking and cycling destination to support economic growth, and provide transport and lifestyle choices.

2. Partner with key stakeholders and community to deliver walking and cycling projects and behaviour change initiatives.

3. Develop district-wide and township walking and cycling networks that are safe, enduring and connect with nature.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 4 3. Regional and Local Strategic Alignment

3.1 3.2 3.3

Draft Northland Regional Ministry of Business, Twin Coast Discovery Walking and Cycling Innovation and Highway Route Strategy – Northland Employment - Tai Programme Business Regional Council Tokerau Northland Case Economic Action Plan A draft Regional Walking and The Twin Coast Discovery Route Cycling Strategy is currently being The Ministry of Business, Innovation is identified within the Northland developed by Northland Regional and Employment (MBIE) has identified Economic Action Plan, in both the Council, in partnership with the three Northland as one of six regions Transport / Logistics and Visitor Northland district authorities; Far to be supported by the Regional Industry work streams, as an North, Whangarei and Kaipara. This Growth Programme. The aim of this important component in growing is anticipated to show the desired programme is to identify potential the Northland economy through framework for walking and cycling growth opportunities to increase increased tourism and better transport routes and aspirations for the jobs, income and investment. The Tai connections. To ensure these Northland region. Kaipara’s Strategy Tokerau Northland Economic Action outcomes were addressed holistically, is in alignment with this framework. Plan identifies four key workstreams, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) including the growth of the visitor and Northland Inc have partnered industry sector. Development to develop a Programme Business of tourism product offerings is Case (PBC) to collaboratively address specified and the Plan references the this. The PBC considers the case for development of “Kaipara cycleways investment to address problems on and walkways project – linking west the Twin Coast Discovery Highway coast lakes, coastline and forests”. A (TCDH) to encourage customers to number of cycling initiatives in this visit new places, try new experiences Strategy deliver on this and in doing so and stay longer in Northland. will generate tourism and subsequent The PBC identifies a number of economic benefits for the region. options/initiatives to achieve these outcomes. Cycling is an emerging visitor activity in Northland and has the potential to generate economic benefits for the region. Accordingly, cycling connections are an important component of the PBC preferred programme with recommended options including extensions to existing cycling paths, linking to other attractions and the creation of new infrastructure.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 5 3. Regional and Local Strategic Alignment

Image Credit: NZTA

3.4 3.5 3.6

Ancient Kauri Trail Byway Northland Regional Land Kaipara District Council Transport Plan (2015 Annual Plan 2017/2018 The Byways concept was also developed as a project within the 2021) (Year 3 Long Term Northland Economic Action Plan, and Plan 2015/2025) and The Northland Regional Land aims to help revitalise the Twin Coast Transport Plan (RLTP) sets out the Draft Long Term Plan Discovery Highway. Themed Byway region’s land transport priorities and routes have been designed to create 2018/2028 provides a forecast of anticipated tourist journeys around certain areas transport revenue and expenditure Councils are required to produce a of Northland, with visually appealing over the period. It also illustrates Long Term Plan (LTP) to establish maps and a smartphone App for potential areas where walking and their intentions for the next decade. tourists to use. cycling opportunities should be The Plan provides a 10 year budget, The ‘Ancient Kauri Trail’ Byway has developed, including Dargaville, including anticipated revenue and been developed for the west of Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka and expenditure. Long Term Plans the Kaipara district, beginning in Mangawhai in the Kaipara district. are reviewed every three years to Maungaturoto and extending north This is therefore reflected in the ensure the direction still aligns with past the Waipoua Forest, highlighting development of ‘safe and connected community outcomes. the towns and significant features townships’; which emerge from this The goal for the provision of roads of this area, including Matakohe Strategy. and footpaths in the Plan is that Kauri Museum and Tane Mahuta, “People and goods are able to encouraging tourists to stop and move safely and efficiently around explore points of interest. Walking the district by a variety of means”. and cycling routes identified as Funding is available for footpaths part of this Strategy align with this (new and maintenance), as well as route and are considered to further $60,000 for the development and encourage users to travel through implementation of this Strategy. and stop in these areas, therefore Furthermore, in the draft Long Term contributing towards the economic Plan 2018/2028, around $300,000 per development of the district. annum is being sought from NZTA for the first three years to implement cycling projects (identified in this Strategy). As well as this, there will be $300,000 in 2018/2019 and then $150,000 each year after that for Mangawhai walkways. Council will seek opportunities to use their local share to leverage external funds and subsidies to maximise the 6 available budget.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 6 Image Credit: NZTA

3.7 3.8 3.9

Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Kaiwaka Township Draft Mangawhai Domain) Reserve Improvement Plan – Community Plan - 2017

Management Plan 2016 2016 Mangawhai is the fastest growing The Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Kaiwaka is a rural township located settlement in Kaipara as a result of Reserve Management Plan identifies approximately halfway between its proximity to Auckland and high opportunities to enhance walking Auckland and Whangarei, and recreational and scenic value. Kaipara and cycling experiences and improve provides a convenient rest stop for District Council has identified the connectivity within the Domain travellers using State Highway 1. Mangawhai Community Plan (MCP) as well as around the lakes and The Plan was a collaborative effort as a priority project to manage and adjacent Council owned forestry developed to address traffic and improve design, environmental and blocks. Significant funding has pedestrian related concerns in the infrastructure outcomes. Improving been invested in developing walking town, while also improving the overall walking and cycling uptake and and cycling tracks in this location attractiveness of the township. The connectivity is a priority and guiding and creating wider connections to vision of the Plan is for Kaiwaka to principle of the Plan, and the projects encourage use of this recreational be a safe, connected, green, vibrant identified in the draft MCP are location is considered key. Therefore, and distinctive place. The Plan has reflected in this Strategy. the Plan also identifies broader a strong focus on making Kaiwaka potential links and circuits that more accessible, particularly for provide connections to and between pedestrians, and to manage traffic the Twin Coast cycle trail, and the speeds through the township. Kauri Coast cycleway.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 7 4. Existing Walking and Cycling Infrastructure

ithin the Kaipara district there are approximately 90 Wkilometres (km) of formed footpaths, with more than half of all urban roads providing a footpath on one or both sides of the road.

The majority of the footpath network is concentrated in Dargaville, however all urban centres have some formed footpaths. Across the district there are approximately 70km of urban roads that have no footpath infrastructure. Council is prioritising its footpath expenditure programme on creating new footpaths in areas where there are currently none provided, rather than to achieve footpaths on both sides of the road. Approximately 1.5km of new footpaths are created each year through new subdivision developments.

The Kaipara district is renowned for its numerous walking tracks that showcase stunning natural landscapes. These include tracks in Waipoua Forest, Trounson Park, Kai Iwi Lakes, Mt Tutamoe, Baylys Beach, Tokatoka, Maungaraho Rock, Paparoa, and Mangawhai’s coastal environment.

Te Araroa, New Zealand’s Trail, is a national walking route stretching 3,000km from Cape Reinga in the north of New Zealand to Bluff in the south. This trail runs through the Kaipara district, from Mangawhai Heads Reserve to Pacific Road near Te Arai.

Two on road cycle trails that form part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail pass through Kaipara, using low volume roads and off road trails. They are:

Kauri Coast Cycleway 2018. Participants cycle from Cape Reinga to Bluff, drawing hundreds The 113km Heartland Ride links of riders through the Kaipara district Rawene on the Hokianga Harbour, to travel the heartland rides. This is though to Dargaville. This route currently being investigated as a year uses low volume roads, and passes round ride. through Kauri forest and secluded While there are currently few dedicated coastal settlements. cycle facilities in Kaipara, funding for the development of cycle infrastructure Missing Link Cycleway will be included in Council’s next Long The 118km Heartland Ride joins Term Plan (2018/2028). Community groups are also instrumental in the Dargaville, the end of the Kauri development of walking and cycling Coast Cycleway with Central facilities, with many local groups Auckland. The Kaipara Missing Link actively involved in maintaining and heads southwest from Dargaville to expanding trails across the district. the holiday village of Pouto Point at For example, the Mangawhai Tracks the mouth of the Kaipara Harbour. Charitable Trust has strong support The missing link to this cycle tour and funding to develop walking tracks involves a boat trip across the throughout the Mangawhai township, Kaipara Harbour. The trail then Ruawai Promotions and Development Group is seeking funding to progress follows a surprisingly gentle route a cycleway along stopbanks of the into the very centre of Auckland. Northern Wairoa River, and the Kauri Coast Promotions Society has applied Both of these national cycle trails form to external funding sources to develop part of ‘Tour Aotearoa’, a 3,000km an historic walking loop within the cycling event being held in February Dargaville township and riverfront. 8

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 8 5. Key Issues how we work 5.1 Few Transport Choices

Kaipara is predominantly rural with a number of small people drive to work in Kaipara, however this is offset towns and coastal settlements dispersed across the with substantially more people working from home/did district. The population is just under 22,000, of which 4,500 not go to work. This is likely to be due to Kaipara’s rural live in Dargaville, the largest town and main service centre environment, where many people are employed in the in the district. Given the small and dispersed population, farming and agriculture industries and work from home. public transport services are not viable and walking and In addition, Kaipara has a greater proportion of older cycling journeys between towns are too vast. Older, more people (refer to Figure 5), many who may no longer work. established urban areas such as Dargaville generally have well developed footpath networks, however many of Data on other types of journey mode share, such as the coastal settlements such as Mangawhai have narrow recreational and social trips is not available. However, roads and few formed footpaths. Cycle facilities across given the compact nature of many townships, it is the district are limited to directional signage, with few anticipated that there is significant potential for growth dedicated facilities available. in local walking and cycling journeys.

A snapshot of commuter mode share is provided in Figure 1 below and reveals that while few people cycle to work, the proportion of people walking to work is similar to Northland and the New Zealand average. Fewer

Figure 1: Comparison of journey to work data for Kaipara, Northland and NZ (Source: Statistics NZ1)

Most households in Kaipara require access to a vehicle due to the isolation of rural communities, and limited access to goods and services. A comparison of motor vehicle ownership between Kaipara, Northland and New Zealand (refer to Figure 2) reveals that the proportion of two and three car households in Kaipara is similar to the New Zealand average, however multiple car households are more Figure 2: Comparison of motor vehicle ownership data for Kaipara, common in Kaipara compared with the Northland average. Northland and NZ (Source: Statistics NZ2 ) There are also fewer households in Kaipara with no access to a motor vehicle than the Northland and New Zealand In summary, most households own at least one car as it is average. challenging to travel beyond key townships without a vehicle.

1 Statistics NZ website - Census 2013 data. http://www.stats.govt.nz/ Census/2013-census/data-tables/meshblock-dataset.aspx Accessed 20 January 2017.

2 Statistics NZ website - Census 2013 data. http://www.stats.govt.nz/ Census/2013-census/data-tables/meshblock-dataset.aspx Accessed 20 January 2017

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 9 Awakino Rd

Parore St Gordon St

Ranfurly St

Hokianga Rd Victoria St 5.2 Safety

Over the past five years, there have been 22 reported pedestrian and cyclist casualties in Kaipara. In general, casualties have been declining since 2011 (refer to Figure 3), however there was a cyclist fatality in Maungaturoto in 2016.

Figure 4: Pedestrian and cyclist crash locations in Dargaville between 2011 and 2016

Most commercial areas throughout the district are located on the State Highway network. The shops and services located on these routes provide a sense of place for these communities, however this conflicts with the movement function of these high order roads. The presence of freight (including logging trucks) travelling through these townships contributes to the real and perceived safety risk of these roads, and hinders walking and cycling participation. Without separated facilities, these streets can be difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to safely navigate. Some rural schools are also located on the State Highway network within high speed environments; many of these schools actively discourage cycling to school. Figure 3: Pedestrian and cyclist casualties in Kaipara between 2011 and 2016 Conversely Mangawhai has narrow streets including many without footpaths. While this encourages lower traffic The largest concentrations of pedestrian and cyclist speeds and volumes, pedestrians must often share the casualties are in Dargaville, given its higher population (refer road with vehicles. This may be particularly challenging to Figure 4). A cluster of crashes is evident at the intersection for more vulnerable road users such as children and the of Hokianga Road/ State Highway 12 intersection. This four elderly. Actions identified in the Mangawhai and Kaiwaka leg intersection has relatively high traffic and pedestrian improvement plans aim to improve accessibility through volumes, and no traffic signals. Both intersecting roads are these townships. wide, meaning vulnerable road users have longer crossing times, increasing their risk of exposure to crashes. The promotion and signage and therefore subsequent increase of cyclists travelling the Kauri Coast Heartland Ride may have resulted in this cluster of casualties, as this is where cyclists from the Heartland Ride enter the Dargaville township. 10

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 10 how we work 5.3 Changing Demographics

Access to reliable and affordable transport enables footpaths could be encouraged, and drop kerbs and people to participate within their communities and sensory aids (both visual and tactile cues) more readily provides access to social and economic opportunities. considered. However, few transport options are available in Kaipara, and it is difficult to get around without a vehicle. The Additionally, this is also an opportunity to positively young, elderly and disabled may be unable or not influence the transport choices made by youth, asthe permitted to drive. Others may be unable to afford a car above observations on population aging are not true of and some residents may choose not to own one. Kaipara the district’s Maori population, which is comparatively has a greater proportion of residents over 65 years youthful. Since 2006 the district’s Maori population compared to Northland and New Zealand. Furthermore, increased 7.6%. Kaipara’s Maori population is increasing the median population of the district is 45.3 years, which both in real terms and in terms of the proportion of is substantially higher than the New Zealand median of the district’s population which it comprises (currently 38 years. 23.1%)3. Encouraging Maori youth to take up walking and cycling opportunities is key to developing safe road As the population continues to age, there will be greater skills early in life, and allowing youth to be more active need for improved pedestrian facilities and transport and develop healthier lifestyles. options to ensure residents do not become socially excluded. The increased use of mobility scooters on 3 Kaipara District Council Environmental Scan 2016

Figure 5: Comparison of population for Kaipara, Northland and NZ (Source: Statistics NZ4)

5.4 Funding

Interest in developing cycle infrastructure has gained Figure 6: Walking and cycling funding over the last 10 years momentum in recent years and funding for walking and (Source: NZTA5) cycling projects and initiatives at the national level has increased significantly (refer to Figure 6). However the Councils must also compete for NZTA funding for projects. focus of NZTA’s expenditure has been on urban centres. Projects have to demonstrate value for money, where the Funding for this activity class is now oversubscribed as benefits of the project must generally outweigh the costs. the larger cities can provisionally obtain higher rates of The benefits of walking and cycling projects consider investment for walking and cycling projects. For districts the projected growth in the numbers of users following such as Kaipara with no urban centres, funding is not the implementation of the project. Projects in areas of currently available from this activity class. low population density such as Kaipara are unlikely to be 4 Statistics NZ website - Census 2013 data. http://www.stats.govt.nz/ competitive against projects in large urban centres. Census/2013-census/data-tables/meshblock-dataset.aspx Accessed 20 January 2017. In the past, Kaipara district had limited funding to pay for new walking and cycling facilities. However Council is keen to reverse this trend, and there will be an emphasis on these projects in next Long Term Plan (2018/2028), with funding made available. Council will identify opportunities to leverage and maximise its budget and seek additional contributions from external sources including NZTA and MBIE, as well as grants and commercial contributions. Kaipara district will also work with local groups to develop community led walking and cycling facilities in the district.

5 NZ Transport Agency website - http://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/userfiles/ transport-data/FundWalkingCycling.html Accessed 24 January 2017. 11

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 11 6. Opportunities 6.1. Leveraging off existing routes here are significant opportunities to add value to TKaipara’s two existing national cycle trail heartland rides as part of a Northland network of cycling trails.

Kaipara’s existing heartland rides currently appeal to ‘strong and fearless’ and ‘enthused and confident’ cyclists who are comfortable travelling longer distances on the State Highway network and/or gravelled roads relatively far from townships. An improved network could therefore provide connections to townships, services and other key attractions, as well as extensions and links to increase the number of visitors, and the length of their stay. It also provides opportunities to work with the private tourism industry to address gaps and services in the market that could be enhanced or developed along routes. It is anticipated that the development of these could bring increased economic growth to the district and region.

Kaipara’s contribution to the Regional Network include: Short Term: Medium to Long Term: • Making the Kauri Coast Cycleway • Trail from Dargaville to off road from Dargaville to Maungaturoto, connecting Donnelly’s Crossing via the townships and features via off redundant rail corridor ensuring road routes and low volume this Heartland Ride is more user roads, in alignment with the friendly and could cater to a ‘Ancient Kauri Coast Trail’ Byway. broader set of visitors and local This will further contribute residents; towards Dargaville as a central hub for experiencing cycle trails. • Extending further north from It is anticipated that this route will Donnelly’s Crossing into the Far be developed as the opportunities North District via the Old Waoku arise, capitalising on and Coach Road; connecting existing walking and • Establishing a loop linkage cycling projects. Existing projects between the Kauri Coast include: cycleway and Kai Iwi Lakes • Ruawai stopbank cycleway; (Taharoa Domain) (as a • Matakohe Bridges shared path recreational reserve with high connection. walking and cycling value and existing walking/cycling tracks); • Route linking Mangawhai with and the cycling trail from Waipu in the North and Pakiri and Matakana • Improving the existing ‘Kaipara in the south. Support this to Missing Link’ by increasing become a Heartland Ride. This signage and promotion, and would also largely align with the installing safety measures such Te Araroa Trail running along the as active warning signs along eastern coastline. the route. Additionally, Council can work with ferry providers to • Trail between Dargaville and enhance ferry services across Whangarei and/or trail between the Kaipara Harbour, and support Dargaville, Maungaturoto and relevant parties to establish a Kaiwaka via rail corridor, if and wharf at Pouto. It is considered when it becomes available. A that these improvements could decision on the decommissioning increase year round use of this of the railway lines is still to trail, and attract more riders from be decided, therefore this is Auckland. considered low priority. An on rail cycling experience may also be 12 an option on some sections of the railway track. Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 12 ´ Kilometres 1:800,000 A3 Scale: 5 0 10 20 30 Aspirational Regional Cycle Trail FrameworkAspirational RegionalCycleTrail -1 Far NorthCycleway CoastTrail Cycle Twin -2 -3 Kauri CoastCycleway -4 Kaipara Harbour Missing Link Araroa Trail Te Legend Existing Trails (C) Crown Copyright Reserved. Copyright Crown (C) New Zealand. 3.0 Attribution Commons Creative this of creation the in taken was Care databases. digital from was map derived this in information The errors, for responsibility any accept cannot contactors and its Council District Kaipara however, map, from sourced information Cadastral navigation. for used be to Not accuracy. positional or omissions 2017. July 5 Zealand New Information Land Land Information New Zealand, EagleTechnology Mangawhai Matapouri Ngunguru REGION REGION Ruakaka AUCKLAND Waipu AUCKLAND WHANGAREI Maungaturoto Hikurangi Pouto Point Paihia 2 ¬ « Kawakawa Moerewa Ruawai Russell 4 WALKING AND CYCLING STRATEGY WALKINGAND CYCLING ¬ « Te Kopuru Te Kerikeri Dargaville Kaikohe 3 ¬ « 2 ¬ « ASPIRATIONAL REGIONAL CYCLE TRAIL REGIONAL FRAMEWORK CYCLE ASPIRATIONAL FOR NORTHLAND Rawene 3 ¬ « 1 ¬ « Kaitaia Awanui Ahipara 1 ¬ «

13 Date Saved: 19/07/2017 DZ 19/07/2017 Saved: Date

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 13 Image Credit: NZTA

6.2 Develop Safe and Connected Townships

While many residents will periodically need to travel to larger towns such as Whangarei and Auckland to access key goods and services and employment, the larger towns in the district provide much of what people require on a day to day basis. Dargaville, Mangawhai, Maungaturoto and Kaiwaka have predominantly urban catchments in the context of Kaipara, and would be ideally placed to promote walking and cycling journeys for school and work travel, following the implementation of supporting infrastructure. As these townships represent some of the larger concentrations of population within the Region; enhancing the local networks for recreation and commuting will offer the greatest benefits and value for money, and given the compact size of many towns, these local trips provide ideal opportunities to encourage residents to walk and cycle.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 14 Image Credit: NZTA

6.3 Collaboration and Behaviour Change

The third opportunity recognised for the Kaipara district is collaboration with key partners. This collaboration could be in the form of working together to jointly fund and connect key linkages, or co operating to develop behaviour change initiatives to increase positive attitudes to walking and cycling. It is recognised that in both circumstances, Council working alongside community groups or outside organisations will provide greater benefits than attempting to achieve them on its own.

Working with key partners to connect walking and cycling linkages enables Council to support initiatives that may be led by the community or others. This means longer term strategic connections within the Kaipara district may be progressed with more momentum, and otherwise could take longer and more funding to achieve in isolation.

Additionally, by working with community groups and agencies to develop cycling skills, walking and cycling safety programmes and increased recreational choices, Council has a stronger ability to increase participation rates in walking and cycling. This may then lead to enhancing economic, social and environmental benefits, and connect with those who currently identify with the ‘interested but concerned’ or ‘no way no how’ attitude towards cycling.

15 15

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 15 7. Objectives and Actions Council aims to achieve the vision ‘Working together to enhance walking and cycling in Kaipara’ through the implementation of three key objectives. Each objective is supported by a number of actions to support the delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure, and embed the provision for these modes into Council practice, while making the most out of the recognised opportunities.

OBJECTIVE 1: Become a walking and cycling destination to support economic growth, and provide transport and lifestyle choices

Key issues Opportunities/ actions to address issues Tourism is a growing industry in New Zealand, and regional Work with key stakeholders to develop new potential cycle trails and international visitors are seeking new and alternative travel and links between existing routes and service towns. Potential experiences. The development of New Zealand Cycle Trail routes routes include: (Heartland Rides) is facilitating this industry, however there is room for enhanced links within Kaipara. It is anticipated that the • Making the Kauri Coast Cycleway off road from Dargaville to development of these would widen the appeal of our portion of Donnelly’s Crossing via the redundant rail corridor; the Trail Network to a wider group of cyclists and could bring • Extending further north from Donnelly’s Crossing into the Far increased economic growth to the district and region. North District via the Old Waoku Coach Road; • Establishing a loop linkage between the Kauri Coast cycleway and Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain); • Improving the existing ‘Kaipara Missing Link’ by increasing signage and promotion, and installing safety measures such as active warning signs along the route. Additionally, Council can work with ferry providers to enhance ferry services across the Kaipara Harbour, and support relevant parties to establish a wharf at Pouto; • Trail from Dargaville to Maungaturoto, connecting townships and features via off road routes and low volume roads. It is anticipated that this route will be developed as the opportunities arise, capitalising on and connecting existing walking and cycling projects; • Route linking Mangawhai with the cycling trail from Waipu in the North and Pakiri and Matakana in the south. Support this to become a Heartland Ride; • Trail between Dargaville and Whangarei and/or trail between Dargaville, Maungaturoto and Kaiwaka via rail corridor, if and when it becomes available. To leverage off the potential economic benefits of cycle trails Council needs to work with private industry service providers to ensure adequate accommodation, rest stops and services are available along cycling routes.

Residents in Kaipara have lower than average incomes, • Continue to expand and link walking and cycling networks, however many have high travel costs as few goods and as part of the safe and connected township opportunity to services are available locally. Providing more affordable local provide alternative transport choices. transport options will lead to reduced transport costs, providing residents with increased discretionary income to support local • Engage with communities through behaviour change businesses. This in turn allows local businesses to remain programmes and school and business journey planning to viable, improving the variety of goods and services available influence positive transport and lifestyle choices. locally.

Fewer opportunities for active travel in Kaipara can result in poor • Work with community health providers to encourage community health outcomes. Providing active travel choices active modes through journey planning, following the for local communities can lead to improved fitness and reduced implementation of safe and connected walking and cycling health costs. networks in townships.

Many people do not perceive themselves as someone who walks • Work with community walking and cycling groups to or rides a bike, or may consider these modes unsafe. Others may encourage and support new and existing walkers/riders and perceive that distances are too far to walk or cycle. events. Ideally, this can be aligned to the construction of new routes and facilities. • Journey planning to reduce barriers and enable walking and cycling.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 16 OBJECTIVE 2: Partner with key stakeholders and community to deliver walking and cycling projects and behaviour change initiatives

Key issues Opportunities/ actions to address issues Kaipara has a low population and rates base, with limited • Identify opportunities to integrate walking and cycling funding available. This makes it difficult to leverage for national initiatives into other district projects. Options may include funding which requires a local share component. roading and safety improvements, urban design projects, parks and recreation projects, community-led initiatives and development of routes along stopbanks.

• Include key projects and local share funding allocations in Council’s Annual and Long Term Plans.

Townships in Kaipara are small and dispersed, meaning the • Seek funding from alternative Government streams and benefits of investment are lower than large urban centres. This private grants. Potential sources include those that seek makes it difficult to compete for funding at the national level. health, environmental, social community development, tourism, and economic growth/employment benefits and outcomes (e.g. MBIE, Fonterra, community trusts and Lottery grants).

Walking and cycling infrastructure is often seen as ‘nice to have’ • Ensure that walking and cycling infrastructure is provided and considered discretionary rather than core infrastructure with a funding allocation in Council’s Annual and Long Term (such as roading). Plans. • Plans developed in Mangawhai and Kaiwaka which have already or are anticipated to be adopted by Council need to be integrated in Council’s Long Term Plan to be funded.

Walking and cycling infrastructure and maintenance can be • Prioritise walking and cycling expenditure based on demand delivered in an ad hoc manner, often in reaction to Annual Plan and connectivity benefits/priority outlined in this Strategy. submissions and customer requests. • Work with other councils in the Northland region to develop a regional Walking and Cycling Strategy and identify opportunities to pool funds and work collaboratively.

The State Highway network forms much of Kaipara’s transport • Advocate to the NZTA to provide for cycling on the State network and offers direct links through and between townships. Highway network, particularly where these routes pass No cycle facilities are provided on the State Highway network. through towns, and provide key routes between towns. For example, the long term connection between Dargaville and Maungaturoto.

Developers are required to construct footpaths for new • Ensure pedestrian access and links from new subdivisions subdivisions, Some newly constructed footpaths are isolated to the existing network are provided, as is required for and do not connect with other parts of the pedestrian network. vehicle accessibility.

Some residents find it difficult to include physical activity into • Work with local health and community groups to develop their lives, resulting in poor health outcomes. However, the initiatives that encourage physical and social activity. health benefits of walking and cycling are often a significant motivator for people to change behaviour.

Many school children no longer walk and ride to school, often • Work with families and local schools to support the due to perceived risk (road safety and personal safety risks). promotion of walking and cycling to school through journey Many schools actively discourage cycling due to traffic safety planning. concerns including vehicle speeds and freight. Additional vehicles in the vicinity of the school at peak times exacerbates • Collaborate with other organisations to implement cycle the risk for vulnerable road users. For some children in rural skills training and road safety education to provide children areas, travel distance can also be a barrier to walking and with road environment awareness and skills. cycling uptake.

Many residents and visitors may not be aware of walking and • Work with tourism bodies to identify and develop walking cycling opportunities available. and cycling routes, supported with wayfinding signage. These can be supported with promotion via brochures and maps containing themed information on routes such as historical and nature based walks, potential side trips from the National Cycle Trail routes and mountainbike trails. Costs for printed materials could be sourced through advertising from local service providers. • Promotion of walking and cycling can also be enhanced online and via social media. Opportunities such as ‘walk of the week’ could be developed.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 17 OBJECTIVE 3: Develop district wide and township walking and cycling networks that are safe, enduring and connect with nature.

Key issues Opportunities/ actions to address issues Many townships are located on the State Highway network, • Identify opportunities to repurpose this space to provide which is often wide and offers few safe crossing opportunities. separate facilities for pedestrians and/or cyclists, provide crossing points, for landscaping or to create public spaces. Narrowing wide streets has the additional benefits of reducing crossing distance, providing additional parking or dining/retail space, reduced road maintenance costs and reducing vehicle travel speeds.

Traffic and freight speed and volumes can intimidate vulnerable • Council to continue to work with NZTA to reduce speed road users who are likely to perceive these roads as unsafe. limits around rural schools and commercial areas, supported Speed limits in the vicinity of some rural schools, commercial with traffic calming (such as gateway treatments), centres and on the urban fringe are not compatible with adjacent enforcement and education. land use. Some schools discourage walking and cycling due to high traffic speed and presence of freight vehicles. • Undertake safe routes to school safety audits to develop work programmes that enable students to travel safely and independently to school, including the provision of additional crossings. • Identify opportunities to expand urban speed limit areas, where development is occurring on urban fringes.

Many towns have streets that lack basic pedestrian facilities, • Continue to prioritise new footpath construction on streets requiring pedestrians to walk on the road. This reduces the that currently have no pedestrian infrastructure and where appeal and viability of these modes. there is high demand (i.e. providing links between key destinations such as schools, recreation or retail areas).

Some towns feature narrow roads and do not have enough width • Consider the implementation of a lower speed limit or to provide separate facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. implementation of traffic calming such as threshold treatments, pavement treatments, planting and/or signage to reinforce a shared space environment. Alternatively, Council could investigate the implementation of lower speed limits in urban areas.

No safe links between towns are available for vulnerable road • Identify suitable routes for long distance cycling. On these users. Many local roads and State Highways feature high roads, Council can seek opportunities to increase width speeds, narrow shoulders and single lane bridges. during road rehabilitation/pavement reconstruction and seal shoulders. This offers safety benefits for motorists and cyclists.

• Consider options to improve cycle and pedestrian safety on narrow and single lane bridges e.g. clip on bridges.

• Consider new safety measures to warn motorists of cyclists being present on narrow roads and bridges. Electronic signs lighting up with cyclist symbols on a stretch of narrow road or a narrow bridge would improve perceptions of safety and may improve overall road safety by slowing traffic.

• Off road facilities are investigated where possible, including rail corridors, stopbanks and redundant bridges.

• Long term connections prioritise projects that could be closely linked, as opposed to supporting projects that do not create a realistic and safe connection between the two. For example, Ruawai stopbanks and Matakohe bridges, as part of the larger Dargaville to Maungaturoto vision.

Many of our urban centres have ageing populations. Quality • Continue to implement engineering design guidelines walking surfaces and connectivity are important for older people to ensure pedestrian crossing facilities meet disability (and those dependent on walking aids such as mobility scooters guidelines. and wheelchairs) to maintain independent mobility. • The increased use of mobility scooters on footpaths could be encouraged, and drop kerbs and sensory aids (both visual and tactile cues) more readily considered. • Consider further measures to improve footpath quality including ongoing maintenance, surface grade and drainage, lighting, signage and seating.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 18 OBJECTIVE 3: Develop district wide and township walking and cycling networks that are safe, enduring and connect with nature.

Key issues Opportunities/ actions to address issues Average incomes in Kaipara are lower than the national average, • Provide and promote safe and connected walking and however many services are inaccessible without access to a cycling networks in Dargaville, Mangawhai, Kaiwaka private vehicle. and Maungaturoto. This, paired with behaviour change initiatives, will provide residents with viable and affordable transport choices that will enable residents to reduce their transport costs.

Lack of adequate end of trip facilities (e.g. showers, bicycle • Require large commercial and industrial developments in parking) for people who walk and cycle may be a barrier for urban centres to provide suitable end of trip facilities for some people to walk or ride to their destination. their staff. • Provide public bicycle parking facilities in key urban centres. • Investigate where public facilities may be needed along the Te Araroa Trail and Heartland cycling routes, and support private industry to establish services e.g. shuttles.

Kaipara has many areas of natural beauty and interest, however • Investigate opportunities to connect people with nature by these are often unrecognised, unconnected or neglected. using the coast, streams and creeks as routes for tracks, integrated with protecting bush, coastal and riparian landscaping and revegetation to sustain high water quality, eco-corridors and biodiversity.

• Improve signage and promotion of current walking tracks at natural features e.g. Tokatoka. Potential for Council to work with Department of Conservation and community groups.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 19 8. Implementation Plan

WALKING AND CYCLING PROJECTS: Key District Projects

Timeframe Project Type Approx. Comments Estimated Distance cost (if known)

Commission Trail from Dargaville to Walking 40km Potential to work in partnership with Te Feasibility still feasibility study and Donnelly’s Crossing, off and Roroa. Strong community support could required develop business road via the old railway line Cycling then be channelled into establishing trust to maintain and manage after case in 2017/2018 established. Begin implementation in year 2 of Long Term Plan (2019/2020)

Begin scoping Mangawhai ‘Slow Street’ Walking 9km Provides walking and cycling connection $2,053,600 2017/2018 from School to Beach and from Mangawhai Village and Heads, Cycling and key residential, commercial and (total value of recreational locations in between. This whole path). (Shared will also include significant landscaping Path) to enhance the street scape and reduce speeds on this route.

Begin scoping Improvements to existing Cycling 59km Improving the existing ‘Kaipara Missing Feasibility 2017/2018 ‘Kaipara Missing Link’ Link’ between Dargaville and Pouto by required but Heartland Ride increasing signage and promotion, and low cost installing safety measures such as active warning signs along the route. initiatives only.

Begin scoping Mangawhai to cycle trails Cycling Establish Kaipara portion of route Feasibility still 2017/2018 in north and south, along linking Mangawhai with the cycling trail required, but the eastern coast. Support from Waipu in the North and Pakiri and estimated to be Matakana in the south. Support this to to become a Heartland become a Heartland Ride. This would relatively low Ride. also largely align with the Te Araroa Trail cost. running along the coastline.

Begin scoping Loop linkage from Taharoa Cycling 11km Would potentially be an on road route, Feasibility still 2018/2019 Domain to Kauri Coast following Airstrip and Omamari Roads. required. Heartland Ride

Begin scoping Donnelly’s Crossing North Walking 43km The Coach Road is legally an unformed $1,500,000 2021/2022 via the Waoku Coach Road, and road, however a formed track exists. to Waima Cycling Potential to work in partnership with Far North District Council as it passes into their district. Strong community interest also.

Supporting projects Dargaville to Maungaturoto Cycling 90km Trail from Dargaville to Maungaturoto, Feasibility still as arise Trail connecting townships connecting townships and features via required and features off road routes and low volume roads, in alignment with the ‘Ancient Kauri Coast Trail’ Byway. This will further contribute towards Dargaville as a central hub for experiencing cycle trails. It is anticipated that this route will be developed as the opportunities arise, capitalising on and connecting existing walking and cycling projects. Existing projects include:

• Ruawai stopbank cycleway

• Matakohe Bridges shared path connection. Awaiting decision on Dargaville to Whangarei Cycling - A decision on decommissioning the Feasibility still railway line and/or Dargaville to railway lines still to be decided, therefore required Maungaturoto and Kaiwaka this is considered low priority. An on rail cycling experience may also be an option via railway line on some sections of the railway track.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 20 SAFE AND CONNECTED TOWNSHIPS: Mangawhai

Timeframe Project Type Approx. Comments Estimated Distance cost (if known)

Long Mangawhai ‘Slow Street’ from School to Beach (as Walking 9 km Provides walking and $2,053,600 Term Plan above) and cycling connection from 2018/2028 Cycling Mangawhai Village and (total value Stages to be implemented in the following priority: Heads, and key residential, of whole commercial and recreational 1. Mangawhai Village: (Shared path). Path) locations in between. This - Mangawhai School to Insley/Moir Intersection will also include significant - Tara Bridge to Pearson Street (including Mangawhai landscaping to enhance the Domain) street scape and reduce speeds on this route. 2. Mangawhai Community Park: - Moir Point Road to southern end of the Causeway Bridge

3. Mangawhai Central: - Causeway Bridge to Pearson Street

4. Molesworth Drive roundabout to Surf Club: - Mangawhai Heads Road - Wintle Street from the Pearl Street corner to Surf Club

5. Mangawhai Heads: - Moir Point Road to Molesworth Drive roundabout.

Design Mangawhai Heads Loop Walking Boardwalk along coast to $775,000 2017/2018 and connect to shared path up - Pearl Street corner to Sellars Carpark (boardwalk) Cycling North Avenue and looping to Construction - Wood Street, Robert Street and North Avenue to Sellars Robert and Wood Streets. 2018/2019 Carpark.

Heads to Mangawhai Heads to Mangawhai Village via an all Walking 6km Allows for Te Araroa Trail $1,742,966 Pearl Street tide coastal walkway to be continued around the 2017/2018 coast. All tide access needed:

Other • Mangawhai Heads Beach Carpark to Pearl Street projects Long corner Term Plan • Findlay Street Steps to Evelyn Street Walkway 2018/2028 • Evelyn Street to Heather Street • Heather Street to Breve Street • Breve Street to Cheviot Street Walkway • Cheviot Street Walkway to Lincoln Reserve • Lincoln Reserve to Jordan Street • Causeway Bridge to Legal Road (off Estuary Drive) • Legal Road to Moir Point Road • Moir Street to Insley Street • Insley Street to Spinnaker Lane

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 21 SAFE AND CONNECTED TOWNSHIPS: Mangawhai cont.

Timeframe Project Type Approx. Comments Estimated Distance cost (if known)

Long Shared path to Mangawhai Walking 1km Upgrade Old Waipu Road to the entranceway $250,000 Term Plan Central via Old Waipu Road and of Estuary Estates, with a separated shared 2018/2028 Cycling cycling/walking path. Potential to be completed as part of road upgrades.

2018/28 Links through and around Walking 3.2km Links through the proposed Mangawhai Central $64,000 Long Term Mangawhai Central and Subdivision, connecting to and along Esplanade Plan Cycling Reserve. A shared Cycleway/Walkway link through the subdivision would be preferable and make use of any proposed parks, playground, shopping centres, and housing. Could be funded through developers’ contribution.

Long Thelma Road link Walking 3.2km Thelma Road link from unformed road $95,500 Term Plan and alignment through to existing sections of 2018/2028 Cycling Thelma Road, 2.8m wide gravel track or better.

Long Esplanade to Jack Boyd Drive link Walking 1.8km An esplanade link through to Jack Boyd Drive is $36,000 Term Plan and at this point unavailable, and would need to link 2018/2028 Cycling through to Thelma Road and along proposed future subdivision, then through to Jack Boyd Drive.

Long Jack Boyd Drive to Thelma Road Walking 1.3km Link from Jack Boyd Drive to Thelma Road and $26,000 Term Plan link and up through Northcoast Subdivision. 2018/2028 Cycling

Long Across estuary (Tara Creek) Walking 390m Link (bridge) across Mangawhai Estuary from $1,000,000 Term Plan and Mangawhai Central to Esplanade area near Jack 2018/2028 Cycling Boyd Drive. Incorporate community led project currently being developed along esplanade.

Long Insley Street Causeway Bridge Walking 51m Attach a footbridge to the existing Tomarata $573,750 Term Plan Road Bridge to allow for pedestrian connection 2018/2028 along this bridge for those walking/cycling from Village to Black Swamp Road.

Long Improved linkages between Fagan Walking 600m Achieved by signage and wayfinding maps. $10,000 Term Plan Place and Wood Street with 2018/2028 Robert Street Reserve

Long Mangawhai Village loop, from Walking 1.7km Achieved by signage and wayfinding maps. $10,000 Term Plan Pearson to Moir Streets along 2018/2028 esplanade reserve.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 22 SAFE AND CONNECTED TOWNSHIPS: Dargaville Township

Timeframe Project Type Approx. Comments Estimated Distance cost (if known)

Begin Walkway from Northern Wairoa Bridge to Walking 4km Establish a path along the Feasibility scoping Dargaville Museum riverfront. A footbridge would still 2017/2018 be required over the Kaihu required. River. Align with historic walkway project initiated by community.

Long Hokianga Road to Tuna Street (Silver Fern Cycleway 1.6km Connection for commuters to Feasibility Term Plan Farms) along State Highway 12 (SH12) Silver Fern Farms. still 2018/2028 required.

Long Gordon Street from Hokianga Road to Onslow Cycleway 1.2km There is ample clear road $10,000 Term Plan Street (Selwyn Park Primary School) reserve where a cycle lane 2018/2028 could be constructed.

Long Tirarau Street from Portland Street to Awakino Cycleway 750m Feasibility Term Plan Road still 2018/2028 required

Long Ranfurly Street from Hokianga Road to Awakino Cycleway 900m Ranfurly Street has kerb and $7,500 Term Plan Road. channel making widening of 2018/2028 the road pavement more costly. (approximately 950m).

Long Hokianga Road from SH12 to the town limit. Cycleway 2km The existing width of this road $10,000 Term Plan provides space for a cycleway. 2018/2028 This would connect to the existing Kauri Coast Heartland Ride.

Long Portland Street from SH12 to Dargaville Primary Cycleway 350m Feasibility Term Plan still 2018/2028 required

Long Parore Street from SH12 to Charlotte Street (St Cycleway 930m Feasibility Term Plan Joseph’s Primary and Dargaville Intermediate) still 2018/2028 required

Long Plunket Street from Gordon Street to Dargaville Cycleway 300m The existing footpath $1,500 Term Plan High School could easily be widened to 2018/2028 accommodate cyclists.

Long Awakino Road from SH12 to the hospital Cycleway 700m The existing width of this $7,500 Term Plan entrance. road provides space for a 2018/2028 cycleway. (approximately 1.1km)

Long Onslow Street from SH12 to Selwyn Park Cycleway 350m Feasibility Term Plan Primary School still 2018/2028 required

Long Footpath on Tuna Street (to Silver Fern Farms) Walking 150m Connection for commuters Feasibility Term Plan to Silver Fern Farms still 2018/2028 required

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 23 Image Credit: NZTA

SAFE AND CONNECTED TOWNSHIPS: Kaiwaka Township

Timeframe Project Type Approx. Comments Estimated Distance cost (if known)

Long Pedestrian access on both Mountain Creek and Walking 40m Investigate bridge clip-on or Feasibility Term Plan Kaiwaka River bridges. alternative pedestrian bridges. still 2018/2028 required

2017/2018 Riverside walkway loop Walking 2km Establish a riverside walkway Feasibility loop for visitors and locals to still enjoy. required

Dependent Future link between Marshall Road and Kaiwaka- Walking 500m Allow for connection Feasibility on future Mangawhai Road. and through township away from still subdivision Cycling SH1. Dependent on future required subdivision.

Long New footpath with planted verge outside Walking 100m Feasibility Term Plan the Kaiwaka Cheese Shop north (to link with still 2018/2028 Riverside Walkway along Mountain Creek) required

Long New footpath along western side of Gibbons Walking 110m Feasibility Term Plan Road (from opposite the fire station around to still 2018/2028 SH1 and Kaiwaka/Mangawhai intersection) required

Long Widening of existing footpath on eastern side of Walking 300m Feasibility Term Plan SH1 between the shops and residential area still 2018/2028 required

Long Widening/realignment of footpath with planted Walking 100m Feasibility Term Plan verge along SH1 from Kaiwaka-Mangawhai still 2018/2028 Road to Mountain Creek Bridge required

Long New footpath along the corner of Gibbons Road Walking 80m Feasibility Term Plan and Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Road outside the Four still 2018/2028 Square required

SAFE AND CONNECTED TOWNSHIPS: Maungaturoto Township

Timeframe Project Type Approx. Comments Estimated Distance cost (if known)

Long Footpath extension on Gorge Road through Walking 500m Upgrade gravel track already Feasibility Term Plan cemetery to residential area in place. still 2018/2028 required.

Long Footpath extension from Doctors Hill Road to Walking 400m Already pedestrian access Feasibility Term Plan Fonterra. available on bridge. still 2018/2028 required.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 24 SAFE AND CONNECTED TOWNSHIPS: Missing Connections

Timeframe Project Type Approx. Comments Estimated Distance cost (if known)

Long Connecting Kaihu settlement with Walking 1.5km Connecting the residential settlement with Feasibility Term Plan the shop and the only shop (gas station). Potential to still required. 2018/2028 Cycling take this along Kaihu Wood Road (running parallel to SH12) as an alternative to SH12.

Long Connecting the Landing with the Walking 260m Connection between the two green spaces Feasibility Term Plan Village Green (Paparoa). within this settlement. still required. 2018/2028

Other Identified Projects

Timeframe Project Type Approx. Comments Estimated Distance cost (if known)

Begin Dargaville Historic Walking 4km Dargaville Community Development Board establishing - 2017/2018 Riverside Walk an historic walking loop through the Dargaville township showcasing historical features and river.

Begin Ruawai Stopbank Walking 4km Ruawai Promotions and Development Group is progressing a - 2017/2018 Walkway Cycleway and (Initial walking and cycling trail along the stopbanks of the Northern Cycling stage) Wairoa River from the Ruawai Wharf, with the long term goal of connecting with the Matakohe township.

Begin Matakohe Bridges Walking 1km As part of the NZTA’s new bridges and road realignment project - 2017/2018 Walkway Cycleway and in Matakohe is a project to develop a walking and cycling path, Cycling utilising old bridges and following the harbours edge. Potential to develop into historical trail connecting with Matakohe township.

In progress Mangawhai Harbour Walking 1.2km Community led project (Mangawhai Recreational Charitable - Walkway Cycleway and Trust) along public esplanade reserve. Aligns with walking and connection Cycling cycling connection (across estuary - Tara Creek) stated above in Mangawhai projects.

Brown Road Mountain Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust plans to establish a - Mountainbike Park biking mountainbike park near the base of the Brynderwyns. Also with potential to connect to existing tracks through bush on the Brynderwyns. Council to support where possible.

Begin Enhance promotion Walking Improve signage and promotion of current walking tracks. Feasibility 2017/2018 of walkways around Investigate areas where a cluster of walks can be packaged still key natural features: together. Also carry out track improvements where required. required. Potential for Council to work with Department of Conservation -Tokatoka and community groups. Support Trounson Kauri Park becoming a Great Short Walk. -Maungaraho -Tutumoe -Trounson Kauri Park

Begin Sea links across the Ferry Enhance the existing ‘Kaipara Missing Link’ Heartland Ride - 2017/2018 Kaipara Harbour by supporting more regular ferry services across the Kaipara Harbour to Pouto, so more visitors can ride this route year round, including attracting more riders from Auckland.

Support the development of a wharf at Pouto Peninsula.

Explore alternative ferry entrance into Kaipara district via Tinopai, with potential to connect to Matakohe. This is an opportunity for a private business interest.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 25 9. Maps s  Kilometres 10 actors actors cannot accept any responsibility for errors, or or navigation. Cadastral information sourced from l l databases. Care was taken in the creation of thi 1:370,000 5 0 A3 A3 Scale: 1 - Rail trail from Dargaville to Donnelly's Crossing 2 - Donnelly's Crossing North via Coach Waoku Road Domain 3 -to ConnectionKauri Taharoa from Coast Heartland Ride 4 - Dargaville to Maungaturoto 5 - Future Rail trail (subject to line being decommissioned) 6 - Mangawhai slow street from school to beach 7 - Mangawhai Coastal Ride connecting North and South 8 - Improvements to existing Heartland Ride Cycleway Trail Araroa Te Legend Key District Projects Trails Existing map, map, however, Kaipara District Council and its cont (C) Crown Copyright Reserved. Copyright Crown (C) Zealand. New 3.0 Attribution Commons Creative The in information this map was derived from digita omissions or positional accuracy. Not to be used f 2017. July 5 Zealand New Information Land 7   Mangawhai 6   REGION REGION AUCKLAND AUCKLAND AUCKLAND AUCKLAND Kaiwaka Maungaturoto 5   4   Paparoa 5   Matakohe KEY DISTRICT PROJECTS 8   DISTRICT DISTRICT Pouto Point Pouto WHANGAREI WALKING STRATEGY AND CYCLING WHANGAREI Land Information New Zealand, Eagle Technology NewEagleZealand,Information Land Ruawai 4   8   Te Kopuru Te 8   Dargaville Tutamoe 1   Kaihu 3   2   Crossing Donnellys DISTRICT DISTRICT FAR NORTH FAR FAR NORTH FAR Date Saved: 20/07/2017 DZ 20/07/2017 Saved: Date

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Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 28 ´ Metres 250 1:4,000 125 A3 Scale: School -1 Pedestrian access onMountain Creekand Kaiwaka River bridges -2 Riverside walkway loop -3 Future link between MarshallRoad and Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Road -4 New footpath with plantedverge outside Kaiwaka Cheese Shop -5 New footpath along western side of Gibbons Road 6 - Widening ofexisting footpath on eastern side of SH1 between shops and residential area -7 Widening/realignmentof footpath with planted verge along SH1 from Kaiwaka-MangawhaiRoad to Mountain Creek Bridge -8 New footpath along corner Gibbonsof Road and Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Road outside Four Square Reserves 0 ¹ º Legend Safe and Connected Projects Townships

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Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 32 ´ Kilometres 10 1:370,000 5 0 A3 Scale: 1 -1 Dargaville Historic Riverside Walk -2 Ruawai StopbankWalkway/Cycleway -3 Matakohe Birdges Walkway/Cycleway -4 Mangawhai Harbour Walkway/Cycleway connection -5 Brown Road Mountain Bike Park -6 Enhance walkways around naturalfeatures -7 Sea linksacross Kaipara Harbour Legend Other Projects (C) Crown Copyright Reserved. Copyright Crown (C) New Zealand. 3.0 Attribution Commons Creative this of creation the in taken was Care databases. digital from was map derived this in information The errors, for responsibility any accept cannot contactors and its Council District Kaipara however, map, from sourced information Cadastral navigation. for used be to Not accuracy. positional or omissions 2017. July 5 Zealand New Information Land 4 REGION REGION 5 Mangawhai AUCKLAND AUCKLAND Kaiwaka Maungaturoto Tinopai Paparoa 7 3 Pouto Point OTHER PROJECTS OTHER 7 Matakohe DISTRICT DISTRICT WHANGAREI WALKING AND CYCLING STRATEGY WALKINGAND CYCLING WHANGAREI Land Information New Zealand, EagleTechnology 2 6 6 Ruawai Te 1 Kopuru Dargaville Tutamoe 6 Kaihu 6 Crossing Donnellys DISTRICT DISTRICT FAR NORTH FAR FAR NORTH FAR Date Saved: 19/07/2017 DZ 19/07/2017 Saved: Date

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 33 10 . Monitoring and Reporting onitoring is an important activity to evaluate the Msuccess of pedestrian and cycle infrastructure. The implementation of actions and projects in this Strategy will be monitored through a combination of the following actions: • Survey existing Heartland Ride • Undertake manual counts of key users to determine suitability of walking and cycling routes to facilities along the route; determine use and trends (this may also extend to reviewing • Review visitor night data or cyclists using ferries to cross the additional information from local Kaipara Harbour); visitor centres and tour operators to identify numbers partaking in • Complete an annual school walking and cycling tourism; survey to understand travel behaviour and walking and • Track any trail usage and cycling uptake; economic impact data from future evaluations of the New • Review journey to work data Zealand Cycle Trail and, if (Statistics NZ) and crash possible, Tour Aotearoa; statistics (NZTA) to determine trends. • Carry out township surveys to establish baseline data and determine needs analysis;

It is anticipated that this Walking and Cycling Strategy for Kaipara be reviewed every five years taking into account monitoring data to ensure it remains relevant for both Council and communities throughout the Kaipara district.

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 34 Appendix 1: Additional Strategic Alignment

11.1 11.2 11.3

Ministry of Transport NZ Transport Agency Northland Regional Land – Draft Government - Safer Journeys Road Transport Plan (2015 – Policy Statement on Safety Strategy (2010 - 2021)

Land Transport Funding 2020) The Northland Regional Land (2018/19 – 2027/28) Safer Journeys is the Government’s Transport Plan (RLTP) sets out the region’s land transport priorities and The Draft Government Policy strategy to guide improvements in road safety over the period 2010 to provides a forecast of anticipated Statement (GPS) on Land Transport transport revenue and expenditure Funding 2018/19 – 2027/28 outlines 2020. The Strategy’s vision is for ‘a safe road system increasingly over the period. Proposed activities the Government’s priorities for the should be aligned and give effect to National Land Transport Fund and free of death and serious injury’. The Strategy introduces the Safe the objectives and priorities of the prioritises investment accordingly. Government Policy Statement on The Statement provides funding System approach to New Zealand and consists of four key elements as Land Transport (GPS). allocations to various transport The RLTP addresses the physical and activity classes such as local shown in Figure 7. The Safe System approach recognises that people social challenges and constraints road maintenance, road policing, faced in the region and identifies public transport and transport make mistakes and are vulnerable in a crash. the main transport priorities for planning. Funding is managed Northland. The Plan lists seven key and administered through the NZ outcomes, four of which are relevant Transport Agency (NZTA) and it is for walking and cycling: important that Kaipara’s transport priorities align with the key priorities • A sustainable transport system of the GPS. The key priorities of the that enhances the growth and current GPS are: existing economic development of • Economic growth and productivity Northland and New Zealand. • Road Safety • All road users are safe on Northland’s roads. • Value for money. • Our people have transport choices The draft GPS has a renewed focus to access jobs, recreation and on supporting the regions, with a community facilities. particular emphasis on supporting • The transport system enhances regional freight and catering for Figure 7: The Safe System approach the environmental and cultural increasing numbers of tourists (Source: NZTA6) values of Northland. on the network. Expanding the pedestrian and cycle network in Improved pedestrian access and The RLTP also illustrates potential Kaipara will contribute to the three provision of safe and connected cycle areas where walking and cycling key priorities of the GPS, and align facilities in Kaipara will contribute opportunities should be developed, with the updated focus on tourism. to reductions in deaths and serious including Dargaville, Maungaturoto, injuries of vulnerable road users, Kaiwaka and Mangawhai in the contributing to the overall vision of Kaipara district. This is therefore 35 the Safer Journeys Strategy. reflected in the development of ‘safe and connected urban networks’ 6 NZ Transport Agency website - http://www. which emerge from this Strategy. 35 saferjourneys.govt.nz/ Accessed 19 January 2017 Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 35 11.4 11.5

Northland Regional Road Ancient Kauri Trail Byway Safety Action Plan (2012) Map

The vision for Northland’s Road Safety

BOUR Action Plan is that “All road users R ANCIENT KAURI TRAIL HA Rawene Kaikohe 54 KM GA Car Ferry MAP LEGEND Paihia 88 KM N are safe on Northland’s roads”. The Dargaville 81 KM Niua I A OK H Plan provides background data and 12 Point of Interest Arai Te Uru Opononi Omapere Help stop the spread of Kauri Dieback. 22 Waima Forest Route Protect our beautiful forests emerging trends to identify the key Kaitiaki o Te Wahapu o by staying on walking tracks Hokianga Nui a Kupe and cleaning your footwear Walking track Mataraua road safety issues faced in the region, Forest and equipment. WAIMAMAKU To Paihia however it provides few actions to Swimming Food Kaikohe 21 support safe walking and cycling in Cafe 20 Tane Mahuta the region. Kaipara district can use Shop & Kauri Walks 19 Waipoua Petrol station Forest Drivers Tip: the vision and goals of this Strategy to Slow down and enjoy 18 the scenery and fresh Museum leverage and influence the next Road Millennium Forest Project forest air through 17 Regenerating Kauri Forest the winding roads Scenic views Safety Action Plan. 400m of the Waipoua Forest. Katui Rd Iconic photo stop! Maunganui Bluff 15 Local favourite Aranga Coast Rd ARANGA BEACH 16 Don’t miss Trounson Trounson Kauri Park Park Rd 13 ‘7 Stands of Kauri’ KAI IWI LAKES

K 14 Did you know?

a KAIHU

w The kauri tree

a (Agathis Australis),

e s

is New Zealand’s largest NORTHLAND, NZ R d Kaihu Forest Omamari Rd and most famous native tree. The kauri is related to the conifer Kaitaia OMAMARI 12 tree and only grows in the subtropical northern part of the North Island. Whangarei

Auckland Omapere 81 KM Maungaturoto 64 KM DARGAVILLE 11 BAYLYS BEACH 7 Baylys Coast Rd 8 To Whangarei 9

10 Kumara Did you know? Dargaville Country

The original masts from the R Museum

I ‘Rainbow Warrior’ now overlook P Regenerating Drivers Tip:

I Dargaville and the Waipoua River R Kauri Forest Keep an eye in located outside the Dargaville Museum O 6 the mirror and

TASMAN B

E let the locals pass R

A SEA E safely.

C V

H R

A O IR Tokatoka Peak Gum A Digger W Kumara Country Historic Kauri Logging Country

RUAWAI 5 Sterling Bushman’s Regenerating To Reserve Kauri Forest Whangarei MATAKOHE 4 2 The Kauri 3 PAPAROA Did Museum Pahi you know? Paparoa

The Walkway Kaipara Harbour R

is one of the U MAUNGATUROTO 1

O largest B

harbours R A Brynderwyn in the world. H Dargaville 64 KM 2 It covers 947 kms A Whangarei 61KM 2 R Auckland 111KM (366mi ) A P at high tide. I Kaiwaka A Pouto K To Auckland Te Hana Find more at northlandjourneys.co.nz APRIL 2017 36

Kaipara Walking and Cycling Strategy 36 [email protected] 0800 727 059 www.kaipara.govt.nz