Coronavirus: Auckland's Waitākere Ranges breached during level 3 closure

Friday, 21 August 2020

Auckland Council says people attempting to breach track closure rules will be caught.

More than a dozen people have been issued trespass notices in the Waitākere Ranges for flouting track closures in Auckland’s alert level 3 restrictions.

The 15 people were found allegedly breaking the rules on the first weekend of level 3 in West Auckland, ignoring bylaws and increasing the risk of spreading kauri dieback disease.

Kauri dieback disease can be spread via tiny amounts of mud or soil carried on people or animals. More than half of the ranges’ 144 tracks have been closed since 2018 because of the threat of the disease, which doesn’t have a cure.

Auckland Council regulatory compliance manager Steve Pearce said compliance officers had been out and about in level 3 and would continue to do so until restrictions were lifted.

**READ MORE:

Kauri dieback disease on the Maungaroa Ridge Track in the Waitākere Ranges. (File photo)

* Kauri dieback: Closed Auckland walking tracks breached during Covid-19 lockdown

* Waitākere Ranges tracks closed to stop kauri dieback spread vandalised

* Crackdown on repeat offenders who ignore Waitākere Ranges closures

”It’s clear that some people feel the rules aren’t for them,” Pearce said.

”If you’re thinking you will be able to get away with breaking the rules, think again.”

Mayor Phil Goff said anyone caught could expect to be issued with trespass notices.

“Last weekend 15 people chose to ignore track closure signs in the Waitākere Ranges.

“It’s really disappointing that people are acting selfishly without regard to the permanent harm they may cause to our iconic kauri trees.”

Goff said the track closures were in place for a reason: to protect the trees, some of them hundreds of years old, for future generations.

“Individuals who flout the rules with no regard for the damage they cause can and will be held to account with trespass notices served against them.”

Those trespassed may be referred to the police and fined up to $20,000 under the Biosecurity Act if they were found in breach of the Controlled Area Notice for a second time.

Last year, the council filed charges for the first time for breaches of the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw in the ranges.

An Auckland man allegedly entered a closed track three times over a period of five months and his case is currently before the Waitākere District Court.