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Chairperson’s Annual Report November 9th 2010
In the sixteen years since the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust was formed there has been much to celebrate and many milestones reached.
The Otago Central Rail Trail has provided a template for others to follow. It is a popular attraction for visitors from all over the world; a catalyst for new business opportunities to develop and prosper; a reason for renewed community activity and pride and an example of a working partnership that is productive, consultative and respectful.
Farewell Hilary
This year one of the founding Trustees decided to retire from the Trust and it was with real regret that we accepted the resignation of Hilary Calvert. Hilary has been a loyal and dedicated Trustee who brought wise counsel, hearty discussion and down to earth ideas to our meetings.
She has given a considerable amount of time, thought and energy to the Rail Trail and has been regarded as a most valued member of the Trust.
Along with members of Hilary’s extended family there has been generous financial support given to the trail over the years. This support has allowed many projects to proceed and enhancements made. We know Hilary’s interest in the Rail Trail and its future success will continue.
Hilary is now a Member of Parliament representing the Act Party. We wish her well for the future.
Welcome Sam
Following Hilary’s retirement from the Trust Sam Inder was approached to become our next Trustee. We are pleased to have Sam as a member of the team and know that his experience and knowledge will be of great benefit to the Trust.
Leaflet
Early this year we produced our 5th Edition Leaflet. We had expected the last edition to take us through into the next season but due to the overwhelming demand for information from within New Zealand and Australia and to a lesser extent but still considerable from America, Canada, Great Britain and Europe we were required to produce a new edition. This 5th Edition was again very well supported by local businesses placing their advertisements in
the leaflet, an important contribution if we are to continue with its production. The Trust sends the leaflet to i-sites and other related businesses throughout New Zealand and posts overseas to all those who request them.
Frequently Asked Question
The Official Otago Central Rail Trail website’s popularity continues to grow. In part this is because it is easy to access, full of general information about what to see, what is required to help make the journey truly enjoyable and gives a wide range of choices when deciding on Accommodation, Food Outlets and Tour Operators. But an additional attraction is the service given by the Trust to answer questions and provide a comprehensive choice of activities to assist those planning their Rail Trail adventure.
There are many and varied questions asked on a daily basis and all are answered promptly and fully by Ross Lindsay and we appreciate his dedication to the Trust and The Otago Central Rail Trail. The Trust is justly proud of the service it provides.
We also acknowledge the time and interest Ted Fox gives to our website. Ted gives the Trust much more than we pay for.
Working with Neighbours
Where new activities are planned on land adjacent to the Rail Trail which may impact on the Rail Trail experience the Trust, whenever possible, takes an active interest in the planned development and participates where appropriate.
A submission from the Trust was lodge to the Central Otago District Council with reference to a Development Proposal at Lauder. The requests made by the Trust were received favourably and were included in the conditions. This cooperative approach to planning gives the opportunity for outcomes that are beneficial to both the Rail Trail and the developer.
New Cycle Trail Initiatives
The Trust has been approached by representatives of new trails being developed around New Zealand. In most cases they wished to learn more about the way the Otago Central Rail Trail was developed and the challenges that were faced. Trustees are happy to share ideas and experiences with new trail developers.
New Zealand is a land which offers a diverse range of landscapes, rapidly changing scenery, and unique and interesting settlements. Each trail will offer its own attraction and this will be the strength of the trails in New Zealand.
There has been little contact from the committee driving the new initiative even though the Otago Central Rail Trail is used as the example to study.
Donations to the Trust
This year we received a donation from the Marshall Sisters by way of the Edna Irene Marshall Estate. The generosity of the gift was quite over-whelming. It is a wonderful recognition of the work and dedication that has gone into making The Otago Central Rail Trail the success it is.
Robert Cooper and Co Ltd donated all their fees for the 2009 Annual Review back to the Trust. The Trust is very appreciative of the prompt attention to our Review and the generous refund received.
Throughout the year we have received donations from groups who have enjoyed their Rail Trail experience and feel they want to say thank you for the contribution the Trust has made. These donations are very welcome and appreciated. Some businesses are paying $10 for the Passport rather than the wholesale $8 as their way of contributing to the work of the Trust.
Adventure South Ltd has added another generous donation to their Passport contribution in recognition of the time and commitment given by the Trust to ensure the trail continues to provide a top experience for their clients. This support is very much appreciated.
A new book entitled ‘So, who needs wheels’ is targeted to those wishing to walk the Trail. $2 from every book sold will be donated to the Trust. The Trust thanks the author Heather Kinsey for this contribution.
Thank you also to Tigg and Bear, the sock makers, who donate to the Trust for each pair of socks sold.
Community Post
Community Post has again supported the work of the Trust by generously giving the Trust prepaid envelopes to use for posting out our much sought after leaflet. The Trust is grateful to Community Post for their support and interest.
Surface Upgrade
At the time of writing this report a major upgrade of the trail between Middlemarch and Hyde is being carried out by Fulton Hogan Ltd. The contract which is funded by the Trust is jointly managed by the Department of Conservation and Trustee John Gibson. We believe there will be many favourable comments made as the previous surface in this area was in need of upgrading and the results to date are very pleasing.
Working Together
Otago Central Rail Trail Trust Representatives attended a facilitated workshop involving The Southern Cycle Trails, a group of trails who recently received funding approval from Government. Trails represented were Roxburgh Gorge Trail, Alps 2 Ocean, Around the Mountains and The Queenstown Trail.
The purpose of the meeting was to share progress and highlight any issues relevant to the development of each trail. It was an interesting and informative meeting.
Groups closely involved with the Otago Central Rail Trail attended a Stakeholders meeting which again took the form of a facilitated workshop. Those attending included representatives from DOC, The Otago Central Rail Trail Trust, The Operators Group, The Central Otago District Council, Taieri Gorge Railway and the Chamber of Commerce. The meeting provided an opportunity to share and understand the contribution each makes towards the success of the Otago Central Rail Trail and what is required to ensure it retains its position as a major New Zealand attraction.
Thanks
This report does not reflect the full amount of work carried out by the Trust this year. There are many activities the Trust participates in on a regular basis which although important to the continuing success of the Rail Trail does not require special mention in this report. What is important to mention is the huge input of voluntary hours, thought and special expertise Trustees contribute. This is quite an extraordinary Trust as there have been only 6 Trustees in the 16 year life of the Trust. Four present Trustees, John Gibson, Kate Wilson Sam Inder and myself, Hilary, recently retired and our former chairman and valued Patron Les Cleveland.
Throughout that time we have enjoyed a very productive working partnership with the Department of Conservation and I believe it is this partnership that has ensured the Otago Central Rail Trail’s popularity and a ‘must do’ itinerary item for people from all over the world. It is also publically acknowledged as a template for other trail developers to follow.
The Trust appreciates the interest Otago Conservator Marian van der Goes continues to take in Rail Trail activities. We also thank Mike Tubbs and his Central team and Robin Thomas and his Coastal members for their time and commitment to the trail.
A special thanks to Tania Murphy who looks after our accounts, our books, our merchandise and many other little things!
The Otago Central Rail Trail has taken many years of planning, hard work and commitment. The next stage is equally challenging. Future success will depend on maintaining standards, providing quality experiences and delivering top quality customer service at all times. Challenging? Yes. Impossible? No!
Daphne Hull
Otago Central Rail Trail Charitable Trust Inc. Chairperson
November 9, 2010
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