Former rail corridor under study for new recreational role

Moves are being made to advance a community proposal to develop the former Okaihau-Kaikohe railway corridor into a public walkway, fitness trail and visitor attraction.

The corridor, abandoned by rail traffic more than 20 years ago, is seen by local communities as an economic development opportunity to help advance the mid-North.

The Far North District Council's Western (Kaikohe/Hokianga) Community Board is now consulting with landowners adjoining the corridor seeking support for the walkway concept before engaging the wider community in discussions on how the project might be developed.

The initiative has already had the support in principle of the board, the council and the Kaikohe (Rau Marama) Community Trust as a development initiative, a way to establish closer links between the Okaihau and Kaikohe communities and as an opportunity to expand recreational opportunities in the mid-North.

The 11-kilometre rail corridor offers expansive views over Kaikohe and Lake Omapere, with the added attraction of a rail tunnel. Because the corridor is gently sloping and relatively easy to traverse, opportunities are also being considered for a cycling facility.

If adjoining landowners and leaseholders agree, the next move will be to set up formal discussions with corridor owners, On Track, on a long-term lease arrangement.

A public meeting to put the proposal to the wider community has been scheduled for mid-November. 

Community groups in support of the project and prepared to assist in the physical construction of the walkway have been asked to contact the council (Customer Relations Officer Aisha Huriwai, Ph 0800 920 029) to register their interest. A number of groups have already made preliminary offers of assistance.

A map outlining the railway corridor and surrounding properties is available for viewing at the Kaikohe Service Centre.