Kia Ora Friends, Supporters and New Subscribers,

A warm welcome to all our new friends joining us — we're so glad to have you on board! This is our first newsletter of 2025, and we're kicking off the year with some exciting updates and a look at the incredible progress we've made, thanks to your ongoing support. Here's everything you need to know:

Construction on the Point Wells section of The Coastal Trail is progressing smoothly, and we're thrilled to report that 1.1km of the 2.2km stretch linking Point Wells to Matakana Country Park is already complete. The trail is looking fantastic!

We aim to finish this section by the end of May 2025. We're incredibly grateful for your support, which continues to make this project a reality. Stay tuned for more updates as we work toward completing this exciting stretch of the trail!

Update from The Coastal Trail Partner and experts at Hutchinson Consulting Engineers

The Point Wells to Matakana Country Park section of The Coastal Trail is shaping up nicely, with 400 meters of Point Wells Road completed and an additional 500 meters of sealed trail on Omaha Flats Road finished. Nearly half of the work is now complete.

Trail Surface: The sections that adjoin public roads are sealed, while the stand-alone sections are unsealed with timber edging.

 Making Noise for Safe Cycling

 In February, we took to the streets on two wheels for our cycle protest! It wasn't just a statement—it was a call for safe, accessible cycling infrastructure, and it worked! The media attention, both locally and nationally, helped amplify our message and gain vital exposure.

This kind of visibility is invaluable for future funding and community backing. A special thanks to everyone who joined us - including local celebrity and actor Martin Henderson - for making this event a true success.

Volunteer Opportunities – Join the Team!

 As we continue to push this ambitious project forward, we're looking for dedicated volunteers to help take The Coastal Trail to the next level. If you're passionate about our cause and have skills to contribute, here's how you can get involved:

New Trustees: We're looking for individuals with experience in capital raising, project management, or political/government connections.

Social Media Expert: If you're a whiz at creating engaging content and growing a community online, we'd love to have you on the team.

If you—or someone you know—are interested, please get in touch.

Looking Ahead: The Future of The Coastal Trail

 With the momentum from our community's support and recent fundraising efforts, we're pushing forward to complete the Point Wells stage while laying the groundwork for the next phases of The Coastal Trail.

Our vision remains strong: to create a network of trails, connecting our coastal communities - trails that not only promotes active living and safety but also fosters sustainability and a deep appreciation for the stunning natural environment that surrounds us.

Thank You for Your Ongoing Support

2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year, and we couldn't do it without you.

Every dollar donated, every conversation had, and every pedal turned helps build this trail. Keep spreading the word, and if you'd like to contribute, reach out—we'd love to hear from you!

Visit www.thecoastaltrail.co.nz

With gratitude,

The Coastal Trail Team