Full Feasibility Study Report - Far North District Council

2.0 Introduction
The Far North District Council (FNDC) is delighted to be involved in this ‘quick start’ project and to
have led the feasibility process on behalf of its communities. It believes that the potential benefits
are significant and that the development of the cycleway will be a catalyst for other opportunities to
further enrich the area. A number of economically challenged smaller rural communities are
positioned to enjoy some wonderful benefits when the entire route is developed.
Council has indicated strong support in principle and recognises the positive impacts this project
would have on local communities. However, in order to meet government timeframes, Council has
not formally considered this project. Subject to further discussion with Government in the New
Year, this would be achieved in early 2010.
The contract was received by Council in mid October 2009 and work was formally commenced on
developing the feasibility study. On request from central government, Council has additionally
included a high level business plan. Both follow the Stage Two guidelines. The two guidelines have
a number of similar information requests. To save repetition, this report has been split into two key
sections, the feasibility study and the business plan. Where information crosses both sections it has
been covered in the most appropriate area, e.g. ‘Assessment of Economic Costs and Benefits’
requested in the feasibility study is now covered in Benefit Realisations in the business plan.
The business plan has been developed at a high level and outlines a suggested process for
developing and operating the cycleway. Initially the business plan will need to be further scoped
and then implemented by the Far North District Council as it proceeds in developing the track. On
formation of a Governance Group, the business plan will then become the responsibility of this
group and they will then need to fine tune it once they have clarified their strategic direction.
The Far North Coast to Coast Cycleway was identified by Prime Minister John Key as one of the
seven initial National Cycleway ‘quick start’ projects, at the Local Government NZ annual conference
in Christchurch in July 2009. This feasibility study looks at linking the two coasts, the port of Opua in
the east to Horeke, a settlement in the inner harbour of the Hokianga. The ‘quick start’ section of
the project is along a rail corridor linking Kaikohe and Okaihau. It has become quite clear that to
enjoy the many benefits of the cycleway, the entire route will need to be built.
The earlier interest in the use of the rail formation for walking and riding evolved from the Western
Community Board seeking to open the length between Kaikohe and Okaihau and with casual users
between Moerewa and Kawakawa (championed by the Eastern Community Board). These Boards
have been working on developing these walking tracks for approximately 18 months, prior to the
government announcement.
The Coast to Coast Cycleway has a total distance of 85.6km, comprising 71.8km of cycle track plus
the 11.5km rail journey to Opua and walkway. Approximately 47 kilometres of this proposed route
is on a railway corridor, under government ownership and managed by Ontrack. The balance of the
route is either under the Bay of Islands Vintage Rail or runs through private land and on public road.
The feasibility study has been co‐ordinated by a Project Manager under the leadership of the
Council. A number of sub contractors were brought onboard to complete the different
requirements needed to provide a comprehensive report. Please see Appendix One for
acknowledgements.
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