Auckland upgrades walking tracks to prevent Kauri dieback

Upgrades by Auckland Council on walking tracks to prevent Kauri dieback across the Tāmaki Makaurau region continues with White Track the latest to reopen.

Kauri dieback is still a significant problem so upgrading these tracks is about protecting the healthy trees in the ngahere (forest) and preventing the disease from spreading.

Auckland Council Regional Parks Kauri Dieback Management Senior Ranger, Stu Leighton enthuses “we are delighted with how we are progressing.

 “We know how much people love getting out into nature so to facilitate that is great”.

“What’s good to remember is each track opening represents a huge amount of work and commitment by our team and partners to protect these majestic trees”.

Work has also been completed on Donald McLean Track but Leighton advises it will stay closed to allow access to adjoining tracks adding “we don’t want to open a track and then close it again while we use it to access work on neighbouring tracks”.

Leighton notes it is easier to open Donald McLean once all the upgrade work is completed on the adjacent tracks and acknowledges that track upgrades are a huge undertaking with work happening across the region.

“We have multiple projects on the go at the same time. It isn’t just about the Waitākere Ranges but about ensuring the track network throughout Tāmaki Makaurau is up to a standard where trampers have the smallest impact on the environment”.

Leighton reminds people to be vigilant even with the completed upgrades “stick to the tracks that have been upgraded and re-opened, use the hygiene stations, make sure your footwear is clean before heading out and please stick to the rules”.

Image of White Track courtesy of Auckland Council