Kauri dieback: More tracks in Waitākere Ranges to reopen
Two tracks in an Auckland regional park have reopened three years after a rahui was placed on the forest to thwart the spread of kauri dieback.
On Sunday the Omanawanui and Puriri Ridge tracks in the Waitakere Ranges opened to the public again.
Forested areas in West Auckland’s Waitākere Ranges and Hunua Ranges were closed off in 2018 to protect the trees from kauri dieback disease and prevent further spread.
This meant pedestrians could not access more than 100 tracks in Waitākere and more than 10 high-risk tracks in Hunua.
It is a “significant milestone” in the reopening of the Te Ara Tahura/Hillary Trail, Auckland Council said.
It will pave the way for people to hike from Karamatura Valley in Huia through to Anawhata, near Piha.
Auckland mayor Phil Goff said he was pleased to see the tracks reopen.
“Aucklanders and visitors love the Waitākere Ranges and West Auckland walking tracks,” Goff said.
“The tracks were closed to protect our iconic native kauri trees from dieback disease.”
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Staying home over the break?
The long weekend is the perfect time to make your place safer for an earthquake with these steps:
• Find out where you can turn off your water and gas mains
• Check your chimney for any signs of wear and tear, or damage
• Check your home's foundations are secured
• Move heavy items that are up high to safer, lower down locations.
• Secure tall and heavy furniture and appliances
These simple actions can keep your whānau safer in case of a big shake, so tick them off and make the most of your break.
Bob Francis Wins Senior New Zealander Of The Year
Seven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial development, the arts, aviation, homelessness, conservation and sports.
Bob’s award signifies the sixth time Ryman Healthcare has supported this category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, which provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Kiwi seniors who continue to make positive contributions towards the future of Aotearoa.
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