Rākau Rangatira project
Introduction
Rākau Rangatira is a partnership project between DOC and Te Iwi O Te Roroa to upgrade both the visitor infrastructure and the visitor experience in Northland’s Waipoua Forest home of the sacred kauri tree Tāne Mahuta.The guiding principle of the project is ‘forest health first’. The impacts of kauri dieback disease, visitor safety, and better recognition and promotion of cultural values of the forest are core drivers for the project.
Waipoua and the adjoining forests of Mataraua and Waima make up the largest remaining tract of ancient kauri in the world.
Kauri dieback disease (Phytophthora agathidicida, PA) has been found within 60 metres of Tāne Mahuta. Across Northland, there is a strong correlation between kauri dieback disease and access trails. This suggests that humans are a significant vector in the spread of the disease.
The project is designed to ensure that the health and biodiversity of Waipoua is upheld for future generations.
Rākau Rangatira is funded by Budget 17, which is aimed to help DOC upgrade and develop tourist facilities on public conservation land. The fund also enables communities to respond to tourism demand. This includes facilitating future growth in some of New Zealand’s newer tourism regions.
Phase one – Replacing assets at Tāne Mahuta
Phase one will address the immediate need to ensure safe on-going access to Tāne Mahuta. This inlcudes replacing or upgrading existing aging visitor infrastructure.
The project will deliver a replacement bridge, boardwalk, and viewing platform at the base of Tāne Mahuta. New assets have been specifically designed to factor in resilience. They will largely occupy the same footprint as the existing infrastructure to minimise movement of soil, tree removals, and pruning.
Construction will have inherent risks because of the presence of kauri dieback disease in Waipoua, and around Tāne Mahuta. The project team has been working with Northland Regional Council, DOC’s Plant Pathogens Team, Te Roroa, and Tiakina Kauri.
Project works will be managed carefully and in compliance with the National Pest Management Plan.
Future phases
Future phases of the Rākau Rangatira project aim to:
- identify transformative approaches to deepen visitors’ connection to culture and nature,
- increase public safety,
- minimise environmental impact,
- allow visitors to play an active role in contributing to ongoing conservation.
Subsequent phases of the delivery of Rākau Rangatira will include replacement of boardwalks at Kauri Walks (Te Matua Ngahere and the Four Sisters) and supporting visitor infrastructure.
Contact
Please direct any enquiries to rakaurangatira@doc.govt.nz.
