Date:  16 March 2018

This is in support of the rāhui placed by Te Kawerau ā Maki to protect kauri in the Waitakere Ranges.  

The rāhui covers the forested area largely contained within the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area. DOC has agreed to include public conservation land to the north of the Heritage Area, known as Goldie Bush Scenic Reserve, in the rāhui.

"Since 2009, DOC has significantly improved the track quality in Goldie Bush as part of our programme to prevent the spread of kauri dieback. This has included installing board walk and Geoweb to eliminate muddy sections of the track and diverting water runoff away from kauri," says Kirsty Prior, DOC's Auckland Mainland Operations Manager.

"Over coming weeks we'll carry out further work to ensure the track stays mud-free in all conditions and keep kauri safe. We'll also be installing new walk-through cleaning stations at all three entrances, replacing the current grate and spray stations," says Kirsty Prior.

Closure signs will be placed at track entrances and closure notifications posted on the DOC website. It is an offence to use the track while it is closed.

"Te Kawerau ā Maki welcome the decision by DOC to respect the rāhui and close Goldie Bush Reserve until we can be positive the tracks are safe for kauri. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with DOC staff to keep our ngahere and kauri safe," says Edward Ashby, General Manager Te Kawerau ā Maki.

"Kauri are amongst the world's mightiest and longest-living trees. They create shelter and nourishment for other species to grow and are a cornerstone of the forest. When kauri disappear, the kauri forest goes too," says Kirsty Prior.

"There's currently no proven cure or treatment for kauri dieback. We can only save kauri by stopping it spreading from infected areas.

"People are the number one spreaders of kauri dieback. We need everyone to play their part to help save kauri for future generations," says Kirsty Prior.

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