About us
Established in 2024 to amplify bike-forward and regeneration projects
The Tāhuna Ride and Conservation (TRAC) Charitable Trust was established by Rod Drury to formalise his ongoing philanthropic work within Tāhuna-Queenstown.
TRAC’s unifying vision is of an inspiring alpine hub, one framed by world-leading bike trails, connected by an enviable active travel network, and renowned for its healthy ecosystems and vibrant, connected community.
TRAC’s perspective is ambitious in scope and local in nature, supporting work that ensures Tāhuna-Queenstown’s future is both strong and remains grounded in the histories of mana whenua.
Recreation and conservation should go hand in hand. Sustainable mountain biking can be both a source of joy and a driver of environmental care.
A strategic connector, TRAC brings people, ideas, and resources together to address the unique challenges faced by Queenstown. We create the conditions for collaboration and shared success, enabling ambitious projects to thrive while protecting the unique identity of each partner.
Who we are
Jo Smith, Trust Manager
Jo manages the day-to-day operations of TRAC. A mountain biker and outdoor enthusiast, she brings a background in the conservation of native ecosystems and environmental education — and a soft spot for Aotearoa’s indigenous alpine plants.
Her approach to the work echoes her everyday interests, focusing on the granular details as much as getting above the tree line for the big picture view.
TRUSTEES
Rod Drury, Founding Trustee
Scott Moran, Trustee
Hannah Knight, Trustee
How we fund
TRAC supports work that delivers lasting positive change to Tāhuna-Queenstown, specifically to the natural environment, bike recreation opportunities and the community.
Large, ambitious projects really get our wheels spinning. We collaborate with local stakeholders to catalyse projects that make a measurable difference to Queenstown’s future, either through seed funding, in-kind contributions, co-funding arrangements or the shared use of resources.
We also elevate the essential work being done by smaller community groups and organisations, supporting initiatives and workstreams that align with the Trust’s charitable purposes.
What we fund
TRAC funds work that…
Regenerates, preserves or protects the natural environment in public spaces, including indigenous biodiversity.
Develops and maintains publicly accessible, environmentally sensitive mountain bike trails.
Promotes environmentally conscious mountain biking activities
Advances the aspirations of mana whenua with respect to te taiao (the natural world).
Increases knowledge of the histories of Tāhuna-Queenstown’s communities, especially those of Māori.
Strengthens mountain biking community projects.
Strengthens projects run by not-for-profit organisations that generate positive environmental change.
Takes place in the Queenstown area
What falls outside our funding…
Projects with private or commercial gain without clear public/environmental benefit.
Profit-driven developments that are not structured for social/environmental outcomes.
Recreation projects unrelated to mountain biking or active outdoor recreation.
Infrastructure (roads, carparks, etc.) not directly supporting sustainable recreation or environmental goals.
Annual operating costs (e.g salaries, administration).
Projects taking place outside the Whakatipu Basin or those with no local relevance.
Support for individuals or teams i.e. Athlete sponsorship.
Social activities – unless for the benefit of the wider community.
