A number of higher-risk tracks in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park have closed, as of 1 May.
Auckland Council’s Environment and Community Committee voted for the proposal to close parts of the Hunua Ranges Regional Park on April 10, along with the forested area of Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, to combat kauri dieback disease.
The disease has not yet been detected in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park, so these closures aim to prevent its introduction.
List of closed tracks in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park
Deputy Mayor and Franklin Ward Councillor Bill Cashmore says: “Decisive action was needed to protect an iconic part of Auckland’s heritage."
"My family has had a long association with this regional park so it was a tough call, but one that had to be made."
"This decision sends a strong message that we won’t muck around when it comes to saving our kauri from extinction.”
A Controlled Area Notice (CAN) is now in place across the native forest areas of the Hunua Ranges Regional Park.
The deputy mayor reiterates that closing parts of the ranges doesn’t mean that kauri dieback disease will just go away.
“We’re going to have to keep working on it together as a community to ensure long-term solutions to this issue are found,” he says.
“So please remember to scrub, spray and stay on open tracks around Auckland’s forests and parks and pay careful attention to any signage around the Hunua Ranges.”
Franklin Local Board Chair Angela Fulljames says the closure of parts of the Hunua Ranges is not a decision that has been made lightly.
“This decision buys some time until a solution can be found. But we will also make sure the regular users of the Hunua Ranges are properly communicated with.”
What is a Controlled Area Notice and how do I comply with it?
There are still open tracks for you to enjoy, however you must follow the requirements of the Controlled Area Notice (CAN).
A CAN is an enforceable mechanism under the Biosecurity Act that controls the movement of materials that may cause a biosecurity risk, in this instance visible soil.
All footwear and equipment must be free of soil before entering the park, and any cleaning station encountered must be used to ensure this standard is met
Remember to SCRUB, SPRAY all footwear and equipment and STAY on the open tracks.
To find out more information and to receive regular e-updates on track openings and closures register at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/protectkauri
