Man who flouted Auckland kauri dieback track closures fined $5,700

Friday, 21 May 2021

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A man who ignored kauri dieback track closures to go walking in west Auckland has been fined $5,700.

Robert Armitstead was caught on camera entering closed walkways in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, in 2019.

Armitstead appeared in front of Judge Lisa Tremewan for sentencing at Waitākere District Court on Friday.

He was earlier found guilty of three charges of breaching a Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw after denying the charges.

Track closures in the Waitākere Ranges have been signposted (file photo).

* Kauri dieback: More tracks in Waitākere Ranges to reopen following 2018 rāhui

* Kauri dieback: Man accused of breaching track closures 'thought sign was wrong'

* Kauri dieback: Man caught allegedly breaching closed tracks ignored ranger, court hears

It is the first prosecution since Auckland Council closed high-risk tracks to protect forested areas from further spread of kauri dieback disease in 2018.

The court previously heard Armitstead entered the ranges on May 14, August 26 and September 11 of 2019.

Robert Armistead’s trial was held at Waitākere District Court. (File photo)

He saw a sign saying the track at Greenwoods Corner was closed because of kauri dieback, but he thought it was a mistake because he had never seen one in that location before.

He said it was “very common” to see people walking there, and he had disinfected his boots upon entering and exiting the ranges.

A spokeswoman for Te Kawerau ā Maki, tangata whenua of the area, told the court a rāhui prohibiting access to the tracks was in place to “protect and heal” the forest.

It said: “The act of placement of a rāhui is deeply spiritual – the resulting area is considered tapu or sacred.

“It’s sad some members of the community have such little respect for our people and environment.

“We hope some deep lessons are learned from this unfortunate episode.”

Judge Tremewan said there was an “important and legitimate need” to warn off others who may try to enter the closed tracks.

Armitstead was ordered to pay a fine of $5,700 and $130 in court costs.