In May 2018, Auckland Council closed the forested areas of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park to increase protection of the forest from kauri dieback disease.

Several tracks were marked as priorities for upgrade during 2018/19. Staff have been working hard carrying out improvement work on tracks so that they meet the standard for reopening, including the Kitekite track that opened on Boxing Day.

Rachel Kelleher, Manager Regional Parks, says while the work programme for 2019 is confirmed, the council would like to find out what tracks the community want to prioritise for the next round of upgrade work from 2020.

“There is significant demand for recreational opportunity in the Waitākere Ranges and community expectation that further tracks will be reopened.

“We have worked with Te Kawerau ā Maki on a track reopening plan and now want to hear from our concessionaires, regular park users and the local community about what tracks they think we should prioritise our efforts towards in the next two to five years.”

Public consultation on this plan has opened today and will continue through to 14 March 2019.

Have your say now

You can have your say by completing this online feedback form.

 Other ways to submit feedback (please provide your name and address)

• Email feedback to kauri@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
• Print the hardcopy feedback form and post to Track Plan Consultation, Arataki Visitor Centre, PO Box 60228, Titirangi, Auckland 0642
• Hand in written feedback at the Arataki Visitor Centre (300 Scenic Drive, Titirangi)

View the track plan list and map. 

The following will be taken into account when reopening tracks:

• recreating coastal connectivity, providing for multi-day walking opportunities and kauri-safe access to identified iconic destinations
• tracks must be of a standard that protects and supports forest health, in particular, prevent the movement of soil to stop the spread of kauri dieback both within and out of the park
• avoid high-value non-symptomatic kauri ecosystems
• provide a range of recreational opportunities that where possible are concentrated to the forest edge.

It is envisaged that further work will be required to manage changing visitor demands to the Waitākere Ranges, including rationalisation of the track network. This will be considered as part of the review of the Regional Parks Management Plan in 2020.

Following the consultation period, feedback will be considered, and the track plan will then be finalised. 

출처 : Auckland Council News