New Zealand Walking Access Commission recognises women championing outdoor public access

The Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa is calling for nominations of people and groups who champion public access to the outdoors with the commission this year wanting to see communities nominate women who make it easier to access the outdoors.

The Walking Access Commission Chief Executive, Ric Cullinane advises "most previous winners have been men, and we know that does not reflect the many dedicated, hard-working NZ women who are building new tracks and trails, securing new legal access, or championing public rights of access."

The Outdoor Access Champion Awards have been running since 2013. They recognise individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to public access to the outdoors.

Cullinane adds "these awards thank some of New Zealand's amazing kaitiaki who open up the outdoors to the public.

"Think about the champions in your local community - both individuals and groups - and nominate them for an award. We want to recognise all these people and we want to make a special effort to recognise some of the women who have gone unacknowledged in previous years."

Anyone can make a nomination by downloading a nomination form or completing the nomination online, before 5pm on 1st November 2021.

2022 Outdoor Access Champion Awards Nomination Information

Image: In 2015, Lynne Alexander received the Walking Access Award for Akaroa trails. Alexander secured the Award for her significant contribution towards developing some of the area’s finest walks and making them accessible to thousands of people. The award was presented by Geoff Holgate, New Zealand Walking Access Commission regional field advisor for Canterbury.