Mountain Bikers of Alexandra (MOA) president Andrew Dowling said it's a “big ask” to find $1.6 million to buy an easement from the owner of Matangi Station, John Sanders.

That’s what Andrew expects will assure future public access to 140 km of trails for walking, cycling and running at Matangi Station. 

The MOA subcommittee has had an equitable valuation undertaken of $800,000, and Andrew said the amount required included subjective elements and it “could be twice the amount”, and in excess of a million dollars.

“The [current] recreational permit . . . doesn’t guarantee access, it has a life, it’s going to expire in 2035. Then we’ve got no guarantee that [it] will be renewed.

“We’ve got a lessee, a farmer willing to negotiate an easement proposal at the moment. You can have your opinions as to why you think that is happening, but that’s our opportunity.

“All the money raised is going to be to run the park, not make a profit.

“What we’ve got to consider is, what would be the cost if we lost the access?”

Andrew said the group was looking to raise funds in several ways; private donations, grants, business donations, sale of trail naming rights and philanthropy. 

Work on the ‘collaborative’ proposal began in December, involving extensive meetings, site visits and voluntary contributions of time and expertise from the Central community. 

Lawyer John Williamson explained the intention is that voluntary work in maintaining trails will continue and be enhanced by a free public access agreement, this will significantly reduce the need for funds. 

“We’re not intending that there will be any ongoing annual membership fee to ride on Matangi.”

During Tuesday night's meeting John explained the next steps to the 210 attendees (after securing public support) as being first reaching agreement with John Sanders, who has 10 days to deal with the deadline sale offers to buy Matangi Station.

An offer was presented to John Sanders yesterday by the MOA subcommittee, detailing the easement, with no price in it. The offer is conditional on funding, and the Commissioner for Crown Lands consenting to the public easement. 

If the funds can be raised, an application will be made to the Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) Commissioner for Crown Lands for consent. 

LINZ will deal with the Department of Conservation (DOC), and a service provider consultant who provides advice to LINZ, and they are expected to process this as quickly as they can. 

Then the charitable trust will be established by Checketts McKay at no charge, the payment to John Sanders settled and a survey done for a plan to be attached to the easement, enabling it can be lodged with LINZ; and only then will future access be protected “in perpetuity” - forever.  

Trail maps of proposed easement. PHOTO: Supplied 

Easement plans include a jumps and skills area, toilets, the construction of new trails and parking.  

The recording of the meeting can be viewed on MOA’s Facebook page, and the easement proposal is online here.

Organisers thanked the Sanders family, MOA, Checketts McKay, ICL Chartered Accountants’ Simone Wearing, Aurum Survey consultants’ Bruce McLeod, videographer Will Nelson and others; calling the development of the proposal a “true community effort”. 

Central residents packed the Alexandra Bowling Club on Tuesday to learn about the proposal. PHOTO: The Central App

The Central App will continue to update readers about progress with the proposal. Next Friday, tune in to The Outlet podcast to hear more from MOA president Andrew Dowling. 

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

Read more: Fundraising bid to keep public access to 130km tracks on Matangi Station.

Read more: Mountain bikers hope for future access.