The Lion Foundation will again support Motu Trails Charitable Trust in 2018, with a grant of $23,000 towards the trust's operations.

'It's superb to have Lion Foundation funding again,” said Jim Robinson, the trust's executive officer.

'Lion has supported Motu Trails each year since 2011. Their backing has been a big part of how far the trails have been able to progress and bring benefit to the local community.”

The Motu Trails Charitable Trust is the governance and information hub of the Motu Trails — helping keep the trails in good shape and sharing diverse print and online information.

Motu Trails (www.motutrails.co.nz) extends from Opotiki to Matawai, and includes the Dunes Trail, Motu Road, and Pakihi Track.

'Looking at the 22 Great Rides making up The New Zealand Cycle Trail, it is clear that having a trust at the centre of things is an effective governance structure.”

'With a trust, you have an organisation that is focused on helping the trails to deliver a positive experience and is not tied to any one operator. We have highly-experienced trustees who bring a range of skills to the table.”

With the trails themselves free to access, it's necessary to gain funding from beyond the trail.

Motu Trails Charitable Trust runs an official partner programme, now with 24 partners, and has OPAC and Horizon Energy Group sponsorship. Support also comes from councils and a range of other funders.

'We have also had several donations from individuals in recent months,” said Mr Robinson.

'People are seeing that Motu Trails brings genuine good to the region.”

….. By Jim Robinson CEO Motu Trails