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The SkyPath walking and cycling extension to the Auckland Harbour Bridge is a step closer with announcement of their successful resource consent last week.

Ākina Foundation’s Executive Chair Anake Goodall said it was a fantastic step forward for the growth of walking and cycling in Auckland.

“The Auckland Harbour Bridge Pathway Trust has been tirelessly pursuing this vision for years and is now a step closer.  The Ākina Foundation is proud to have helped the Trust along their journey and send heartfelt congratulations.”

Ākina has worked with the Trust since 2009, mentoring the project delivery team and providing strategic advice and seed funding at critical times.  Ākina also brokered pro-bono support from KPMG and Russell McVeagh, who have provided significant contributions over the years, Mr Goodall said.

The economic, environmental and social benefits for Auckland were huge, he said.

“Not only will the SkyPath act as a catalyst for the growth of walking and cycling in the region, giving people an opportunity to experience Auckland without a car, it’s also designed to pay for itself with a user toll.  And if there are profits in the future, they are designed to be returned to community walking and cycling projects.”

The SkyPath is a three-way joint venture partnership between not-for-profit, private capital and local government.  Mr Goodall said it was an innovative model that had potential for replication.

“It’s exciting to see an innovative partnership between private investors, local government and the community as represented by the Trust.  Working together across sectors has the potential to give us creative and long-lasting connected solutions.”

Ākina Foundation supports people and organisations that have ideas to drive positive social or environmental change through a social enterprise model – a hybrid organisation type that applies commercial strategies to tackling complex problems in the world. Ākina helps through building capability for early stage ventures, supporting existing ventures to scale-up their solutions and facilitating investment in social enterprise.  

Tags: Auckland