Glenorchy in the South Island of New Zealand is home to some of the most outstanding natural scenery in the world. In the heart of the Southern Alps, and home to many scenes from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy and many other sets, the area is aiming to become a magnet for trail users, whether they be walkers, trampers, bikers or horse riders.
TRC has been working with the Head of the Lake Trails Trust for several months to develop a 10 year strategy to both guide the trails network development, and to help the new Trust with decision making into the future. Developing a strategy as a first step for the Trust will help it with clarity of purpose and with seeking grant funds from Council and the National Government, as well as other potential partners. With the Queenstown Trails as a neighbour and successful model, the broader region also stands to gain from a broader and geographically larger trail offering.
The strategy contains a number of projects that can only be described as ‘game changers’ that if successfully developed and implemented over the next decade, will see the head of Lake Wakatipu truly become an outdoor trails destination that is world class.
So, what makes a successful Trails Trust strategy? TRCs three ingredients are:
• Strong research and evidence base
• Meaningful consultation and engagement, and
• Outstanding product and market knowledge
A combination of these factors adds up to a strategy that will drive success and containing not only actions, but principles and criteria to help decision making when opportunities and issues arise throughout the life of the strategy – keeping it live and meaningful to clients.
