Mountain Bikers of Alexandra (MOA) has had 700 pledges of financial support to buy a public access easement at Matangi Station.

MOA’s president Andrew Dowling, said on The Outlet podcast today public support has been great so far.

Giving you the choice to listen to the interview, read the story, or both.

“[At] the moment, the offers have closed currently for Matangi Station. We've got an offer on the table and John Sanders tells us that he's considering our offer with others. 

“So in that, the value of our offer is going to sort of be dependent on how much John Sanders needs to be able to stay on the farm. So, if we can purchase the easement for a price that allows them to refinance with their banks, then they can stay on the farm.

“I suppose at MOA we see that as a win-win for the Sanders family and for the people of Alexandra. So we're still waiting to get what that final figure is, but I'm quite confident we can reach it.”

To develop the proposal has been months of work for the subcommittee of MOA.

“It wasn't much of a Christmas or New Year this year . . . it was pretty busy . . . we spent many hours over this and a lot of meetings and just discussing things. If a sheep poo is on the track, who's responsible for that? Compared to a bull digging a hole in the track. So, it's been pretty full on since the end of December.”

The MOA subcommittee are (from left) Andrew Dowling, Rob Wardle, Joe Sherriff, John Williamson and Ollie Yeoman. PHOTO: The Central App

Andrew said that while the offers on the station were being considered the organisation was setting up the publicity and fundraising campaign.

“We’ll be ready to go as soon as we can to raise the funds . . . we’re just hoping that we’re successful with our offer.”

On the MOA website it said the survey following the public meeting indicated pledges of between $307,518 to $877,800, with a mid-point of $538,900 so far (February 19).

Along with his work as a vet, and as MOA president, Andrew is in training for cross country mountain bike race, The Prospector (March 8-10).

Two of the race's three days are held on Matangi Station trails, the other day is in Earnscleugh.

Andrew said he was looking forward to the race as it’s “a great way to showcase Alexandra” and the “real jewel in our crown” - Matangi Station.  

Read more: Matangi Station public easement needs $1.6 million

Read more: All hands up for Matangi Station’s trails

Read more: Fun ahead as The Prospector MTB Race nears

For information on the public access easement see MOA’s website.

Remember to check out The Outlet podcast to hear more from Andrew Dowling.