Need to Know: Kauri to be protected by track closures

DOC has been seeking public input on a new proposal to close various tracks in the kauri region to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.

34 tracks are proposed for full or partial closure in the consultation. The decision to propose track closures is not taken lightly and has been considered in situations where there is a high kauri dieback risk, low visitor use, high upgrade and ongoing maintenance costs and a similar experience provided in the vicinity.

Not all tracks will be fully closed. There are 24 full closures and 10 partial closures proposed in the consultation. Partial closures are considered where DOC can close a section of track to protect the kauri there and still retain the experience.

DOC has been contacting local Treaty partners and national recreational bodies on the proposed closures. Specific dates for track closures will be made available on the DOC website once this process is complete.

“As there is currently no proven cure or treatment for kauri dieback, we can only save kauri by stopping the disease from spreading. There are a number of tools DOC uses to help stop the spread of the disease, like track upgrades and rerouting, but in some instances track closure needs to be considered,” says Sue Reed-Thomas, Northern North Island Director of Operations, Department of Conservation.

“This consultation process allows the public, who we know have a vested interested in the forest, kauri and kauri dieback, a chance to have their say.”