The Hauraki Rail Trail has received $840,000 in the latest Government budget, for 14 e-bike charging stations.
Tourism and hospitality minister Louise Upston announced the investment on June 1, as part of a $2.5 million package from the Electrifying the Great Rides fund, targeting five cycle trails across the country.
“E-biking is gaining real momentum in the regions, so it makes sense for the Government to invest in infrastructure supporting increased usage on the Great Rides, as well as on the wider network of rides. Great Rides deliver an economic boost of $1.28 billion to regional New Zealand,” she said.
The Locky Dock charging systems will be free to use, and are each capable of holding five bikes at a time.
Hauraki Rail Trail chair Diane Drummond said the first of the charging stations is likely to be installed in spring, with plans for all 14 to be installed by March, 2027.
“We are very excited about this process… it’s going to take away that range anxiety that people have when they’re riding a bike,” Diane said.
Meanwhile, the Trail trust is still committed to repairing storm damage along the trail, Diane said.
“This particular project hasn’t cost the ratepayer anything… it’s tagged funding [for the charging stations],” she said.
“It was an opportunity that presented itself that we grabbed, but I want people to be assured that we’re still very much focused on the repair work that needs to be done on the gorge.”
