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Ashburton District Council’s Trail Maintenance Fund (New Zealand)

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Ashburton District Council Trail Maintenance Fund provides grants of up to $5,000 to support the upkeep of volunteer-led walking, cycling, hiking, and mountain biking trails within the Ashburton District. Funding covers materials, tools, equipment hire, and labour costs for trail maintenance, with applicants required to contribute at least 50% of the total project cost either financially or through in-kind support. Eligible organisations must be non-profits based locally.

Program Overview

The Trail Maintenance Fund aims to preserve and maintain existing recreational trails in the Ashburton District, ensuring continued public access and enjoyment. Trails contribute to community wellbeing, outdoor recreation, and tourism, showcasing Mid Canterbury’s scenic landscapes, braided rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and native wildlife.

Objectives

  • Support maintenance and upkeep of existing trails

  • Ensure trails remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for the public

  • Encourage volunteer involvement and community engagement

  • Promote sustainable trail management in line with Council policy

Funding Details

  • Maximum Grant: $5,000 per project

  • Funding Contribution: Grants cover up to 50% of project costs; remaining costs must come from financial or in-kind contributions

  • Eligible Expenses:

    • Materials: retaining materials, bridging materials, concrete, geo-matting, gravel

    • Tools: spades, rakes, grubbers, wheelbarrows

    • Equipment hire: compactors, power barrows

    • Labour costs and contractor services for trail maintenance

  • Volunteer Time: Must be valued at the applicable minimum wage

Eligibility Criteria

  • Trails must be existing volunteer-led walking, hiking, cycling, or mountain biking trails

  • Trails must be located within the Ashburton District, specifically between the Rakitata (Rangitata) and Rakaia Rivers

  • Applicants must be non-profit organisations or groups

  • Local branches of national organisations are eligible

  • Applications must be complete and submitted on the official Trail Maintenance Fund form

  • Funds must be used strictly for maintenance purposes

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

  • Verify that the trail is existing and volunteer-led

  • Ensure the organisation is a non-profit based in Ashburton District

Step 2: Prepare Application

  • Complete the Trail Maintenance Fund application form

  • Outline the maintenance activities, materials, tools, labour, and equipment costs

  • Specify community contributions or volunteer support

Step 3: Submit Application

  • Submit the completed form to the Ashburton District Council before the deadline

  • Incomplete or late applications will not be considered

Step 4: Post-Award Requirements

  • Ensure all grant funds are used solely for maintenance

  • Provide accountability and reporting as required by Council policy

Why This Funding Matters

  • Preserves local recreational trails for residents and visitors

  • Supports healthy outdoor lifestyles and tourism in the region

  • Encourages community participation and volunteerism

  • Promotes safe, accessible, and sustainable trail networks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting incomplete or late applications

  • Applying for non-eligible projects, such as new trail construction

  • Not demonstrating the volunteer or in-kind contribution

  • Using funds for purposes outside trail maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply?

Non-profit organisations or local branches of national organisations operating within the Ashburton District.

2. What is the maximum grant?

$5,000 per project.

3. What expenses are eligible?

Materials, tools, equipment hire, labour costs, and contractor services for trail maintenance.

4. Can volunteer time count towards the funding contribution?

Yes, volunteer hours may be calculated at the minimum wage.

5. Are new trails eligible?

No, only existing volunteer-led trails are eligible for maintenance funding.

6. Where must the trail be located?

Between the Rakitata (Rangitata) and Rakaia Rivers in the Ashburton District.

7. Are incomplete applications considered?

No, only completed Trail Maintenance Fund application forms are accepted.

Conclusion

The Trail Maintenance Fund ensures Ashburton District’s walking and cycling trails remain accessible, safe, and well-maintained for the community. By providing targeted funding and promoting local volunteer engagement, the Council supports sustainable recreational infrastructure and strengthens community connection to the outdoors.

For more information, visit Ashburton District Council.