It wasn't until New Zealand First's Shane Jones came along with his $3b fund the following year that an application for the full $9.36m was lodged with the Government. Niederer said the trust quickly got to work securing designs, resource consents and landowner access. It hired a project manager and, despite a delay caused by the Covid-19 lockdown, the first section – from Westport to Carters Beach – opened in December to much fanfare. Jules Anderson The opening of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail in Westport brought joy to the community. "Once the full trail is completed, this extr...