Yeah by that reserve is where I live, the council isn't exactly pro-develoment, or even maintenance of the existing trail network, any working bees get tied up in red tape so it was pretty surprising.
Some grumbles on the community Facebook page, but more positive/jealous comments than negative ones.
The way you came down is owned by the Griffin's (of Griffin biscuits) and they're amazing in term of access and trail building, fortnightly craft beer and bbq working bees, if we end out bringing the Moped Melee back to the top of the south we'll have to seek out access to at least the Silvan Steps, although Golden Bay is looking like a sweet future destination too.
Did you get up Mt Patriarch when you were in Marlborough?