Risk of trespass, prosecution for trampers this Easter due to kauri dieback fears

Friday, 19 April 2019

Trampers ignoring track closures could be stung by trespass notices or court action as Auckland Council ramps up its mission to protect kauri.

Many areas of the forested areas of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, and 10 higher-risk tracks in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park, have been closed due to kauri dieback since May 1, 2018.

The fungus-like disease spreads through spores in the soil. Almost all infected kauri die and there is no known cure.

But despite the closures, biosecurity manager Phil Brown said people were continuing to use closed tracks, risking spreading the disease.

**READ MORE:

* West Aucklanders face $20,000 fine for walking dogs in bush closed over kauri dieback

* West Auckland forest closure is not being enforced

* Kauri dieback: National treasure on the brink of extinction**

An Easter Weekend 'sting' would mark a change in the way officers dealt with trampers using closed tracks, changing to a more compliance and enforcement-based approach, Brown said.

Instant fines were currently not an option but trespass notices and prosecutions were.

'Our intentions are not just verbal warnings anymore,' he said. 'This is the line in the sand.' 

While a 'surprise' operation was discussed, council members thought it would be more productive to let the public know in advance.

'It's about protecting the kauri, not prosecuting people,' Brown said. 

'We don't want to fine hundreds of people but we can't turn a blind eye.'

Compliance officers would be patrolling both open and closed tracks in these areas all long weekend. 

On open tracks, officers would continue to encourage trampers to use the cleaning stations available. 

Brown said he acknowledged track closures were frustrating, but asked for the public's patience. 

Visit OurAuckland for more details.