Thanks to the huge efforts by Te Kawerau ā Maki, the Waitakere Ranges Local Board, members of the Society, conservation networks, as well as many government agencies and the Environment and Community Committee of the Auckland Council, we are thrilled to report that by 1 May 2018, after engagement consultation with affected parties, all forested areas of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park will be closed until tracks can be upgraded and reopened to protect the forest from further Kauri dieback damage.

Auckland Council will put in place a Controlled Area Notice under the Biosecurity Act enabling them to stop public access and prosecute offenders for breach of the provisions of the Notice.

This is a fitting decision on the 10th anniversary of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act, which itself required the Council in this instance to have regard to the purposes and objectives of the Act when making this decision.

Here is the text from the Environment and Community Committee meeting and the resolutions.

The Waitakere Ranges Protection Society is inspired by the vision that the natural ecology of the Ranges is respected and managed in perpetuity as a genuine taonga for Aucklanders and for all New Zealanders.

This decision of the Council regarding the protection of Kauri in the Ranges, takes us one step closer to seeing this vision come to life. To help us on this journey and continue to help identify emerging threats and take action to deliver on this vision, please consider supporting the Society either through donations, membership or participation on the Committee. Click here for more information.

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