The Hauraki Rail Trail has been bringing economic benefits to Te Aroha since it was opened in 2015, and Matamata is also starting to see similar results, with the extension to the trail attracting domestic visitors from all around the country.

We plan to investigate developing a cycleway from Morrinsville to Te Aroha to create a multi-day ride within the district, keeping visitors here overnight and contributing to the economy of all three of our main centres.

What's in the draft budget

Rough figures included in the budget: $53,000 in 2023/24 for investigations into this project, and $6.3 million in 2031-2036 for construction if the business case stacks up.