Rayonier Matariki Forests received an Outdoor Access Champion Award this morning for its work supporting the Pauanui Tairua Trail.

The Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa presents Outdoor Access Champion Awards each year to people and organisations who have made significant and lasting contributions to public access to the outdoors in New Zealand.

The forestry company was nominated for the award by the Hikuai District Trust, which has been building the Pauanui Tairua Trail.

"Rayonier Matariki Forests has been really supportive of the Pauanui Tairua Trail, which passes through a section of forest which it manages," says Asher Wilson-Goldman, Walking Access Commission Strategic Communications and Partnerships Manager.

The Hikuai District Trust has received financial and physical support from Rayonier Matariki Forests for half a decade. Rayonier Matariki Forests has adopted the trail as its environmental flagship project. Last year it was particularly proactive, sending a team of experienced foresters to remove a number of problem trees that were causing potential safety hazards for walkers and bikers.

Andy Warren, Regional Manager for Rayonier Matariki Forests, Bay of Plenty, said lending support to community projects such as the Pauanui Tairua Trail is very important to the company.

"We are delighted to be an ongoing part of this great initiative which is a real asset to the community and a wonderful drawcard for visitors. Forestry has a long history in the area and with views of our Tairua Forest all around the walkway, it was important that we be a part of this ambitious project."

ENDS

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