NZ Transport Agency has $7 million over 2 years for the Model Communities programme. The funding starts 1 July 2010.

"Model communities aim to reduce congestion by providing user-friendly environments for walking and cycling." (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/national-land-transport-programme/2009-2012/strategic-direction.html)

NZTA has written to all councils to invite them to apply. Your council transport manager will have the criteria and application instructions.
Funding is for infrastructure and is likely to be targeted to just one or two provincial towns or cities. The council and local partners e.g. DHB will be expected to provide funding.

This is a significant lump of money. It offers the successful councils a great opportunity to make a step change in the amount of cycling and walking.

The idea is based on the UK's successful Demonstration Towns programme (http://www.dft.gov.uk/cyclingengland/cycling-cities-towns/results/) which led to an average 27% increase in cycling over 3 years.

*I suggest you approach your council to urge them to apply*, even if they fall outside the criteria, as we need to show NZTA Board that there is demand for investing in cycling and walking.

The first deadline is Feb 19.