Motu Trails Community Trust

The Motu Trails Charitable Trust is the governance and operational hub of the Motu Trails. Trustees are a group of community-minded people, most of whom are regular cyclists.

The Trust team promotes and manages the trails, with the goal that for both visitors and locals alike, the Motu Trails serve as a gateway to positive experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Ultimately, these efforts benefit the communities around the trails, stretching from Gisborne to Ōpōtiki.

With Ōpōtiki’s Dunes Trail, there is a strong conservation component. We have a biodiversity management agreement with Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC).

Over the last six years we have planted over 30,000 trees and other plants along the Dunes Trail. We hold three volunteer planting days most winters. Some planting days have seen over 30 people turn up! The level of regeneration along the Dunes Trail is remarkable and that’s thanks to the impressive community support we receive.

Additionally, with the help of Whakatohea Tiaki Taiao and other volunteers, and with traps provided by The Department of Conservation (DOC) community conservation funding, we have been implementing predator trap lines on Pakihi Track and the Dunes Trail. Hundreds of rats and about 50 stoats and weasels have been caught to date.

GOOD PROGRESS IN 2023

ABOVE:  Many of the volunteers have joined 15 or more planting days over the years.

In 2023 we held three community planting days. When we combine what was planted at those events with other plantings during the year, there are now 1700 more trees and plants along the Dunes Trail. We continued our trapping efforts and the results included over 30 stoats and weasels!

HOW YOU CAN HELP US

Volunteer time: Why not come to one of the community planting days during winter? They should be held in May and June. Just email jim@ motutrails.co.nz around mid-April to get the dates or follow our Facebook page.

Make a donation: If you would like to support Motu Trails Charitable Trust, please visit our Givealittle page or donate straight into this account: Motu Trails Charitable Trust, 06-0637-0259896-00.