Community views about impacts of the 'Alps 2 Ocean' cycle trail on the rural village of Otematata

Abstract

The New Zealand Cycle Trail project (Nga Haerenga) is developing a 2400km national network of cycle trails. The rural village of Otematata – population 186 – is an optional stopping point on the new “Alps to Ocean” (A2O) trail. A2O is the longest track in the network, extending 314kms from Aoraki Mount Cook to the township of Oamaru on the South Island’s east coast. Our research developed a baseline profile of the Otematata community and its current resource base, so that the impacts of the A2O could be assessed later. Interview & survey data were collected from permanent and holiday home owning residents in 2013/14. Data revealed a high level of confidence in the A2O as one tool for revitalising the town’s economy, by raising it’s profile and, by extension, attracting tourists, investment and new businesses. It was also perceived as a mechanism for growing the population by attracting (young) individuals and families to live and work. Paradoxically, research participants were worried about the possibility of significant negative impacts on the highly valued sense of place and village qualities of Otematata. They were also worried about the track coming to, but not passing through the town.