A $200,000 fundraising campaign has been launched to restore walking and cycling trails on Banks Peninsula after devastating flash flooding and landslides tore through the track network earlier this year.

Heavy rainfall on February 17 triggered widespread damage across the peninsula, forcing the closure of key sections of the recreational trail network and cutting off access for local communities, visitors and conservation groups.

Kura Tāwhiti, the Canterbury Community Foundation, has partnered with the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust to establish the February 2026 Storm Damage Repair Fund.

The goal is to accelerate urgent repairs and reopen affected tracks, with full restoration of the damaged network expected to cost more than $500,000.

Without additional funding, organisers warn that track reopening and ongoing recovery could be significantly delayed.

Christchurch City Council Head of Community Support and Partnerships John Filsell said the fund would support the community groups already putting in the hard work on the ground.

“The February storm caused significant damage which the community is still recovering from, and there is substantial work still to go to reinstate access. Partnerships like this help ensure we can recover faster, protect biodiversity, and keep these well-loved tracks open and safe into the future.”

Donations will be distributed by the Rod Donald Trust to local conservation organisations including Te Ahu Pātiki Charitable Trust, Orton Bradley Park, Living Springs, Summit Road Society and Mikimiki Conservation Trust.

Rod Donald Trust Manager Shelley Washington said that while some groups had already managed to complete repairs, doing so had come at a cost to their wider conservation work.

“Providing a donation is a great way for the public to help community groups continue providing these low-cost recreation opportunities on the Peninsula.”

As well as immediate repairs, funds raised will go toward improving the resilience of the network against future weather events and enabling ongoing conservation work including pest and weed control.

Kura Tāwhiti Foundation CEO Lynne Umbers said she was proud to be backing the effort to bring the beloved trails back.

“We acknowledge all the groups working to ‘bring back our tracks’ so we can all continue to get out and enjoy walking and cycling across this special region.”

The fund will remain open until June 30, 2026. Any remaining funds after that date will be directed toward ongoing disaster response and preparedness efforts in the region.

Donations can be made through the Kura Tāwhiti Canterbury Community Foundation.

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