The much-loved Spraggs Bush track in the Waitākere Ranges has reopened following work to upgrade the track in the fight against Kauri Dieback disease.
Spraggs Bush is a two-kilometre track located between scenic drive and Turanga Road in the Waitākere Ranges.
Work complete
Work began in December to upgrade the track, but the finishing touches had to be put on hold during lockdown. Following the completion of work on the track, it was officially reopened last week.
The track provides a link for locals to get around the neighbourhood and is used regularly by many of the people in the local area and gives access to a special area of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park
It was not on the original track upgrade programme, but following public consultation, the council acknowledged the importance of the track to the local community and with the support of its partners included it.
Vital connection
Waitākere Ward Councillor Linda Cooper is delighted that the track is now open and says this is another example of the track upgrade programme bearing fruit.
“While Spraggs Bush appears to be a small track, it actually provides a vital connection for local people in the area to use in their everyday lives and connects neighbours together.
“We know it is a much-loved track and are really pleased that the work to upgrade the track has now been completed and people can use it again.
“The fight against Kauri Dieback continues in the Waitākere Ranges, and this is a welcome piece of progress as more and more tracks are upgraded and open for people to use again.”
Community coming together
Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair Greg Presland agrees.
“The opening of the track is a good example of the community coming together and letting us know what is important to them.
“We are grateful for the local community’s feedback during the track re-opening consultation and we agree that it was important to get this track upgraded so it can once again become the vital link for the area.
“I look forward to seeing more tracks open as time progresses and thank everyone for their patience during the works. I think the results speak for themselves.”
Track closure information
For more information on track closures in the Waitākere Ranges, visit the Auckland Council website.