Collaboration at the Core
Workshops and discussions with iwi, local and central government agencies, landowners, and community groups ensured the strategy was built from shared priorities. This collaborative process created a foundation for long-term alignment, resourcing, and action. A ‘layering approach’ was used to analyse the natural and cultural landscape - from forests and farmland to estuaries and coastlines. By integrating these layers, the strategy reveals opportunities for trails that highlight the distinctive presence of the ocean and the interconnectedness of the region.
Vision and Strategies
The vision is simple yet ambitious: to create trails that connect forests to coasts, and communities to each other. This vision is supported by six linked strategies, designed to guide investment and energy into projects that collectively grow a resilient, inspiring trail network.
Study and Opportunities
A mix of desktop research and on-the-ground site study provided a clear picture of existing routes and potential opportunities. From subdivision and covenanting to conservation and community planting, the strategy identifies ways to build a network at regional scale while keeping community involvement central.
A Connected Future
The Matakana Coast strategy demonstrates how collective effort, focused through a clear plan, can transform scattered tracks into a vibrant network. More than infrastructure, it’s about creating a shared landscape where people, nature, and the sea are woven together through movement, connection, and care.
