Shared pathways

Herenga ā Nuku advocates for shared pathways as a part of our support for active transport and outdoor recreation. Shared paths for cyclists, walkers, horse riders and other active transport users help connect communities to shops, schools, recreational areas and other local resources. They also connect people and make for stronger communities. Shared paths must be well designed so that walkers, bikers, e-bikers, horse riders and others can all share the space safely. 

Herenga ā Nuku’s role is securing legal access for walking and biking trails. We are not funded to build or maintain tracks. Trail building groups must follow track design and safety standards set by the relevant agency, such as councils or the Department of Conservation. These standards ensure that walkers and bike riders can share the same space.

When we secure new public access, we attempt to include cycling access and access for other forms of active transport into the terms of the easement, where it is viable. This reflects the Minister’s directive to incorporate cycling access into our work. Sometimes this is not possible — sometimes, the terrain or the circumstances will not make a shared pathway safe or appropriate. But, where it is appropriate, shared pathways are our preferred option.

External information

• Department of Conservation cycle track service standards
• Specification for design, construction and maintenance of cycling and shared path facilities — Waka Kotahi
• New Zealand Cycle Trail design guide
• Contested spaces: a user’s guide to shared paths — The Conversation