Public dispute timeline to reopen ranges

A new report on the closure of walkways in the Waita¯kere and Hunua Ranges due to kauri dieback has shown that Aucklanders strongly disagree with the council’s reopening plans.

The report, released by Auckland Council this morning, details the feedback received following public consultation this year.

It gathered public opinion on the track reopening plan for the Waita¯kere Ranges after forested areas of the regional park and 10 higher-risk tracks in the Hunua Ranges were closed in May last year.

The decision was made to protect the trees from kauri dieback disease and prevent its spread after local iwi Te Kawerau a¯ Maki had earlier placed a ra¯hui over the area.

However, the council has been working to develop a plan for track upgrades and reopening over the next two to five years.

It gathered more than 728 pieces of feedback which showed 61 per cent of people disagreed with the current plan, saying it doesn’t provide a good balance of recreation experiences and forest health.

People living in the Waita¯ kere Ranges area were particularly against the plans, with 71 per cent saying it doesn’t provide a good balance.

The general opinion was people would like more access to the Waita¯kere Ranges and quicker than the proposed five years.

The report said people feel a strong connection to the forest and use it to connect with nature, exercise and reduce stress.

However, a smaller proportion of people disagreed with the proposed plan for the opposite reason — they believe that more needs to be done to protect kauri.

Auckland Council manager of parks Rachel Kelleher said some changes would be made as a result of the feedback.

“Being able to address everyone’s desires is unlikely . . . but certainly there will be some changes.”