Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Further track closures imminent in moves to prevent kauri dieback

Further track closures imminent in moves to prevent kauri dieback
June 5, 2018

New Zealand’s Department of Conservation is reportedly planning more widespread track closures to prevent the spread of kauri dieback, proposing to close or partially close 45 tracks in a bid to eliminate the risk of people spreading the disease.

As reported by Wilderness magazine, the plan follows Auckland Council’s closure of all but a handful of tracks in the Waitakere Ranges earlier this year and three weeks after DOC closed the popular Okura Bush Walkway north of Auckland.

With a total of 56 track closures were being considered, a DOC spokesperson said it was consulting on closing 31 tracks, partially closing a further 14, and was still investigating closing 11 more.

DOC said no muddy tracks near kauri trees will be allowed to remain open, with the spokesperson advising “track upgrades and closures will ensure that muddy track surfaces are eliminated and won’t be a risk to the spread of kauri dieback through soil movement.

“It is not feasible or desirable to upgrade every track with kauri on it and so, in some cases, closure may be the safer approach to mitigate the risks of the disease.”

DOC is currently consulting with iwi, community groups and other track-user groups on the proposal. A decision will be made at the end of July.

Outside of Auckland, DOC manages the vast majority of public kauri forest. Previously, it has closed 15 tracks and two reserves to prevent the spread of dieback. The department has surveyed all 735km of tracks through DOC-managed kauri forest and it is part-way through a programme to close or upgrade 186 tracks in Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Coromandel.

It is also installing 20 new high-tech cleaning stations.

People are believed to be the main factor in the spread of kauri dieback disease with track closures and upgrades seen as the best hope of curtailing its spread.

Images used for illustrative purposes only.

10th May 2018 - PREDICTED TOURISM BOOM COULD PUSH NEW ZEALAND’S INFRASTRUCTURE TO BREAKING POINT 

22nd February 2018 - WAITAKERE RANGES CLOSURE A ‘DEVASTATING BLOW’ TO RECREATION

13th August 2017 - WAITAKERE RANGES REGIONAL PARK FACES CLOSURE OVER KAURI DIEBACK 

26th May 2017 - BUDGET A DISAPPOINTMENT FOR NEW ZEALAND RECREATION INDUSTRY 

12th May 2017 - DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION TO RAISE CHARGES FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS WALKING NEW ZEALAND’S TRAILS 

26th January 2017 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL TAKES BACK CONTROL OF MOTUKOREA BROWNS ISLAND 

3rd January 2017 - HEAD OF AUCKLAND PARKS SERVICES NAMED NEW NZRA CHAIRPERSON

18th April 2014 - MORE THAN A MILLION VISITORS PARTICIPATE IN WALKING AND HIKING IN NEW ZEALAND IN FIVE YEARS


Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.

 


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

DAE Global

DAE Global is one of the world’s leading international creative and production practitioners, creating award-winning sport, culture and entertainment experiences for over 30 years.  It was…

read more

Culture / Entertainment / Events / Venues

 
 

Sportybots

We are the leading providers of kids fun multi-sports programs for Sport and Recreation Centres. Programs cover twelve common sports as well as Gross Motor Skill Development and suit children from as…

read more

Fitness / Play / Recreation / Sport / Wellness

 
 

BODY BIKE APAC

BODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Humanforce

Humanforce is a global provider of workforce management solutions for companies who need flexibility to manage complex workforces. Companies use Humanforce to manage everything from time and…

read more

Hospitality / Retail / Technology / Venues

 
 

Advanced Aquarium Technologies

Advanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT) is a world leader in the design, construction, and operation of landmark public aquariums. Led from Queensland, AAT has delivered aquarium projects in over 25…

read more

Attractions / Consultants / Design / Parks / Zoos

 
 

Myrtha Pools

Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks / Wellness

 
 

Smart Connection Consultancy

Smart Connection Consultancy is a boutique sport and recreation consultancy who has become one of Australia’s leading advocates for the use of synthetic sports surfaces as a vehicle to grow…

read more

Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Surfaces

 
 

Hadley/Series Australia Pty Ltd

Hadley Australia and Series Australia Pty Ltd are the leading quality theatre chair manufacturers in the southern hemisphere. The businesses work closely with architects, interior designers and…

read more

Arts / Culture / Design / Entertainment / Venues

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business