The forested areas of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and 10 higher-risk tracks in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park are closed, effective Tuesday 1 May.
Latest updates about track closures in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park
Auckland Council has implemented the closures after deciding last month to close these areas by 1 May 2018 to prevent the spread of, and protect against, kauri dieback disease.
Controlled Area Notices were also introduced on 1 May by the Ministry for Primary Industries across currently open tracks within the forested area of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and all of the native forest area of the Hunua Ranges regional parkland.
Aucklanders will begin to see new signs and barriers on tracks and compliance officers monitoring the closures and controlled areas in both parks. This will increase over coming weeks.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says, "Together with mana whenua and central government we have taken strong and decisive action to tackle one of Auckland’s most urgent and challenging environmental issues.
Councillor Penny Hulse, Environment and Community Committee Chair, says, "The closures will slow the spread of kauri dieback, benefiting our kauri forests – but the support of Aucklanders will be crucial.
Read more at: http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2018/5/regional-park-closures-to-protect-kauri/