Shania Twain made a rare public appearance yesterday in Macetown Village, in New Zealand, for the official opening of the new Motatapu Track and the Macetown Restoration Project. Twain did not speak to the crowd and addressed locals and media as Eilleen Lange.

Twain and her husband Mutt Lange agreed to build the 29km track as part of the national Te Araroa Trail during the approval process to buy the pastoral leases for two high country stations in 2004. The trail butts with the back of the Lange's property.

The Langes paid a total of $21.4 million for the project and have also donated at least $171,000 towards building two tramping huts on the track. They have also spent more than $276,000 setting aside conservation areas and implementing biodiversity programs, as agreed with the Department of Conservation.

Twain said the land is "beautiful" and "is a great place to visit for inspiration and you go away recharged."

The singer also delivered a blow to her fanbase, saying that she was still on an "permanent sabbatical." Twain said in 2007 that she hopes to release new music in 2008.

Labels: Shania Twain