The Ministry of Tourism reiterated today that the New Zealand Cycle Trail project is a partnership arrangement between the government and regions with funding for the tracks being shared.

Programme Manager, John Dunn, says the funding processes for both phase one - the seven Quick Start projects - and phase two are particularly robust.

``We have a disciplined approach to appraising the proposals and have also put in place professional support to help those who are part of the Quick Start programme,'' he says.

Following the February Job Summit where the government announced $50m to create a series of 'Great Rides', the Quick Start programme was implemented. Phase two is currently underway with proposals due 18 December.

The key Assessment Criteria requires the cycle trails: Meet a market demand (demand must be sufficient to warrant investment in the cycle trail); Showcase the best that New Zealand has to offer; Meet the objectives of the Cycle Trail Project (generate economic benefits, provide high-quality assets that offer a world-class experience, deliver complementary benefits and engage the community); and Develop partnerships and stakeholder support.

``The Cycle Trail fund is a limited contestable fund,'' says John Dunn. ``The government is looking for proposals that reflect a strong regional partnership approach and a commitment to co-funding, such as sponsorship. The level of funding for a specific trail project will be decided on a negotiated basis with the applicant.''

A number of the Quick Start projects including the Hauraki Rail Trail, The Far North and Southland/Queenstown Lakes are all at feasibility stage.