A section of Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve, known locally as Eaves Bush, has reopened with a new hygiene station to help in the battle against kauri dieback disease.
Tracks within the popular reserve have been closed since mid-2019 to enable mitigation works to be carried out and on 30 August, the lower track located alongside the Nukumea Stream was reopened to public access.
The track’s entrance and exit is at Old North Road which now has a new hygiene station and upgraded track surface.
The upper tracks will remain closed until mitigation work can be carried out. These are planned for late 2021 having been delayed due to the COVID-19 restrictions and the council’s emergency budget.
The council is proposing to undertake temporary works on the track over summer to permit short term access during the dry period. The track will be closed again when the wet period returns.
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair Gary Brown remembers walking the track as a child.
“We are incredibly lucky to have such a beautiful spot right on our doorstep. I know many people will enjoy walking the track again surrounded by the beautiful trees, stream and birds.
“The work done by council contractors and that which is to come will protect this treasured bush reserve for many years.
“Also, a huge shout out to our volunteers, including the Eaves Bush Appreciation Group, who spend many hours weeding, planting and trapping pests in our reserves.”
The works are funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate, which ringfences money over 10 years to combat the disease. Tracks within Alice Eaves are among dozens across Auckland undergoing improvements to become kauri safe.
