The Motu Trails Charitable Trust maintenance team is now able to clear over 30 kilometres of track up to 40 percent faster, thanks to a new suite of electric tools made possible with a $4782 grant from Trust Horizon.

Motu Trails is one of the Great Rides of Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trails, including the Dunes Trail and Pakihi Track. The hugely popular cycling, walking and running trails are frequented by thousands of locals and visitors each year.

Motu Trails Charitable Trust is the organisation responsible for maintaining these much-loved tracks. The maintenance team takes to the trails as often as twice a week – or even more frequently after poor weather – to keep the pathways clear of debris.

Jim Robinson, trail manager for Motu Trails Charitable Trust, is regularly on-the-ground as part of the maintenance team. “As a cycle track, any rocks or debris on the path are a potential safety hazard, so keeping it in good condition is a must,” he said.

“Pakihi, in particular, is so dynamic, the track moves constantly, so we need to get out there regularly.”

Until recently, this maintenance work was almost wholly unpowered. The team relied on hand tools such as rakes, spades and pruning saws.

When the Motu Trails team discovered they were eligible to apply for funding for electric tools through Trust Horizon, they jumped at the opportunity. The application was approved in November 2024, and a $4782 grant was used to purchase an electric leaf blower, cordless trimmer, chainsaw, hedge trimmer, cordless pruner, batteries, and multi-battery charger.

Mr Robinson said the effect had been nothing short of transformational.

“It used to take three people walking along the trail with rakes, clearing leaves and rocks by hand. Now, with the leaf blower, one person can do the job of two-and-a-half people – and do a much better job of it.”

The new tools have increased efficiency by an estimate of 20 to 40 percent, freeing up the team to focus their energies on other trail improvement work. Running on electricity, rather than fuel, the tools are also keeping the team’s carbon footprint to a minimum.

Nikki Slade Robinson, trust administrator, said the safety of the new tools was a big factor. “The battery-pruning saw and chainsaw stop immediately when you take your finger off the trigger. The pruning saw is very compact while still being very effective. If a tree comes down and branches are hanging over the track, the branches can be safely cut away with much more precision.”

Trust Horizon trustee Kevin Hennessy said Motu Trails attracted many visitors into the area, which had a number of flow-on benefits for the local community.

“Being able to maintain this fantastic free natural facility for the public is vital, and we were very pleased to lend our support.”