Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 06 July 2026
Jessie, 32, took up the Timber Trail position in September 2022. Born and raised in the central North Island, she calls Ruapehu district home, based just 15 minutes from the trail’s southern end in Taumarunui. The 85 km trail is a particularly popular naturing option for cyclists.
Jessie joined DOC in 2020, and gained a grounding in recreation asset management through her work as a ranger on the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk. Her current role includes managing relationships with trail stakeholders, overseeing physical work and contractors, and taking care of necessary funding applications, reporting commitments, and communications.
There are also significant administration tasks to complete regularly for various agencies.
“There are many different groups involved in, or with a reliance on the trail, and stakeholders want to see that the trail is being loved and prioritised,” says Jessie.
On-the-ground mahi reminds her why she’s in the role, which is split half and half between desk-based and field work. A key focus for her is ensuring the physical resilience of the trail, which is prone to extreme weather events and flooding, erosion, and damage.
“When out inspecting the trail, I’m thinking ‘what can we improve to ensure this section is more resilient against future extreme weather?’
“MBIE’s co-funding of annual maintenance projects and extreme weather response has been really helpful, allowing us to complete more trail maintenance annually.
“This additional funding, through the efforts of MBIE and Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails (NZCT Inc), is supporting to shift from a reactive cycle of constant repairs to a more proactive maintenance approach.”
DOC is responsible for day-to-day management and maintenance of the Timber Trail, while an externally funded Trail Champion supports trail promotion and visitor insights. Jessie says positive feedback from visitors, investors, and trail inspectors is indicating clear advances in track condition and overall visitor experience.
“Although the trail is still vulnerable to severe weather impacts and suboptimal riding conditions, we’re seeing tangible evidence of the underlying quality and resilience of the trail steadily improving.”
Timber Trail maintenance is also supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, community group Friends of the Timber Trail (FOTT), responsible for many enhancement initiatives on the trail.
“The FOTT team has installed many of the shelters and picnic tables along the trail and run seasonal working bees to help ensure the trail is in great riding condition,” says Jessie.
“Our concessionaires and wider operators also support these working bees, with the Timber Trail Lodge frequently hosting and catering for the volunteers.”
FOTT’s work is supported by DOC, Ruapehu District Council, Waitomo District Council, and various community and Trust grants.
Contact
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/06/jessies-on-the-job-trail-lead-has-hands-full/