Get out and about for Waitangi Day weekend

Waitangi Day weekend is New Zealand’s national holiday. It’s an excellent opportunity to celebrate Aotearoa – and what better way to do this than to get out and about in the outdoors?

New Zealand’s network of tracks and access ways allows us to enjoy the remarkable rivers, coasts, forests, lakes and mountains our country has to offer. This access is a great part of our culture, inspiring people to connect with each other, helping our economy to thrive and improving our quality of life.

On behalf of the New Zealand Walking Access Commission, I would like to thank all of the recreation groups, iwi, landholders, local and central government staff and individuals who continue to work to enhance outdoor access for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

Have a safe and happy weekend,

Eric Pyle
Chief executive, New Zealand Walking Access Commission

Minister visits ambitious Kerikeri walkway project

A new trail that will provide access to a hidden waterfall near Kerikeri received a Ministerial visit this afternoon when the New Zealand Walking Access Commission hosted Associate Minister for Primary Industries Louise Upston for a guided walk.

Looking to the future

There’s a growing hunger for new access to the outdoors, and trail developers are heeding the call. NZWAC chief executive Eric Pyle looks at how our existing tracks came about, and shares his thoughts on the Commission’s focus for the next five years.

Funding boost for outdoor access

The New Zealand Walking Access Commission is making $54,000 available to projects that enhance public access to the outdoors through the current funding round of its Enhanced Access Fund.

Competition celebrates enjoyment of NZ outdoors

Kiwi school children are photographing, drawing and describing their favourite outdoor places as part of the national competition celebrating enjoyment of the great outdoors as part of the New Zealand way of life.
 

Welcome to our new team members

We are delighted to welcome communications manager Asher Wilson-Goldman and operations advisor Lynda Edwardson to the team at the New Zealand Walking Access Commission.

News from the field

News from the field’ provides a roundup of public access topics being worked on by the New Zealand Walking Access Commission’s regional field advisors. This month, we hear from John Gibbs (Taupo and Bay of Plenty), and Penny Wardle (Marlborough, Kaikoura, Nelson and Tasman).