DECEMBER 4, 2009: Major concerns about the future sustainability of the sport and recreational activities it oversees, has prompted Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ) to act to secure access to suitable riding areas and facilities.
The establishment of a Trail Ride Commission in April 2009 and the appointment of Paul Searancke (Nelson) as Commissioner formalised the first significant steps in addressing these concerns.
Since the Annual General Meeting in May and the election of the new Board consisting of President Jim Tuckerman and representatives Carmen Davidson (Off Road NI), Dave Craig (Off Road SI) and Kevin Goddard (On Road SI), Motorcycling New Zealand has taken the initiative to either establish or enhance communication between relevant government, local body and community stakeholders along with those affected by motorcycling activities.
Motorcycling New Zealand believes this improved communication will not only increase awareness of the sport to these parties but enhance the sustainability of the sport into the future.
To further these objectives and in accordance with the Constitution of MNZ (sections 5.2.9-5.2.9.1-5.2.9.3-5.2.10-5.2.11-8.16), the Board has also directed the Commission to;
1. Undertake an evaluation and to formulate a Recreational Riding Strategy and Policy with the aim of securing the future of motorcycle sport and recreation.
2. Establish cooperative relationships and make representations to Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, Governmental Departments and agencies.
3. Establish relationships and make representations to Regional, Unitary and Territorial Authorities and seek support and advocacy for the future of our sport.
4. Build relationships with the Motorcycle Industry and other stakeholders in cooperative, collaborative efforts for the betterment of motorcycle sport and recreation.
Because of the range of activities now involved in the project the Board (MNZ) has also changed the name of the (Trail Ride) Commission to the Recreation/Leisure Commission.
Motorcycling New Zealand is affiliated to the Federation International de Motocyclisme and this brings the Commission into alignment with the F.I.M and may allow MNZ to secure more F.I.M funding for its objectives.
Commissioner Paul Searancke has enlisted the expertise and assistance of David Yardley (Rodney) as Project Manager and these two unpaid volunteers have made significant progress with these objectives and have already achieved some notable successes.
Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ) has been involved with the recent Auckland Regional Council (ARC) study into Off Road Motorised Recreational activities, contributing to the process and assisting to achieve a positive outcome for motorcycling in the ARC area.
The full report can be viewed at: http://www.arc.govt.nz/albany/index.cfm?F73190b7-14C2-3D2D-B92A-49AD6B842A8
The summation below from Anna McElrea: Parks Policy Team Leader, ARC
“There are several very positive resolutions for off-road motorized recreation in the sector. There is a commitment from Council to work with stakeholders to achieve the acquisition of a large dedicated off-road site(s) or a network of smaller off-road sites including considering the acquisition of such a site by the Auckland Regional. There is also the commitment to offer a contestable fund of $15k for the next three years to cover any ARC resource consent fees associated with developing or enhancing motorized recreation facilities, to develop web based info on where you can legally go off roading in the region and to support Motorcycling NZ.”
The Recreation-Leisure Commissioner can be contacted through the MNZ office and welcomes ideas and input to advance the interests of motorcycling activities.