More track closures to prevent kauri dieback

More Auckland walking tracks are closing to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.

Auckland Council and Kaipatiki Local Board announced a number of ‘‘vulnerable’’ tracks and reserves would close in the Kaipatiki area from yesterday.

The closures come after it was confirmed that kauri dieback had infected trees in Kauri Park and Muriel Fisher Reserve in Birkenhead. Auckland Council biosecurity manager Phil Brown said other kauri in nearby areas were also at risk of the disease.

‘‘Our objective across the region is to protect significant stands of kauri that do not have the disease, of which there are many in the Kaipatiki area,’’ Brown said.

Brown said once the disease was discovered, Auckland Council staff had to think strategically about the next steps.

‘‘We have listened to the strong concerns from the Kaipatiki Local Board and community and made the decision to temporarily close tracks as a preventive measure,’’ he said.

Brown said at this stage the closures would be in place for up to six months.

Tracks would need to be assessed and prioritised for upgrade works or re-routing.

Kaipatiki Local Board chairman John Gillon said the board had been pushing for the closures. ‘‘Kaipatiki Local Board has worked alongside the community to see these proactive measures put in place for the protection of our precious kauri,’’ Gillon said.

He asked the public to respect the closures and take alternative routes to explore non-kauri parks in the area.

New Zealand’s largest tree, Tane Mahuta, could also be affected by kauri dieback disease in less than a year, a scientist said in July. Kauri dieback had been found in a young tree less than 60 metres from Tane Mahuta.

The tree has stood in Waipoua forest for over 2000 years.

Auckland Council closed most of the Waitakere Ranges in May to prevent the spread of the disease.