Committee votes for further closure to protect Kauri

We love kauri trees at The Tindall Foundation. We have a large sculpture of a kauri on our building and a kauri in our logo!

We have been a supporter of the effort to irradiate kauri dieback for a number of years. We recognise the difficult decision Auckland Council has had to make to stop the spread of this disease. Let’s hope we can turn this around so we don’t lose one of our most iconic trees.

Committee votes for further closure to protect Kauri

At the first Environment and Community Committee meeting of the year today, councillors voted unanimously for the closure of all forested areas within the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park (with exceptions that will be consulted on in the coming weeks), and high-risk tracks in kauri lands of the Hunua Ranges, to increase protection against kauri dieback.

Environment and Community Committee Chair, Penny Hulse, says the approach endorsed today is a necessary, and important step for kauri protection across the region.

“We have worked tirelessly since our decision last December to close more tracks and investigate greater protection measures. Today’s decision to close the Waitākere Ranges forest is the result.

“We applaud the passion of those out there campaigning for kauri protection and commend those visitors that have chosen to observe closures or stay away from the ranges – but we’ve decided it just isn’t enough.

“We believe this decision will benefit kauri across the Auckland region and we’re committed to working with all those impacted to make closure work.

“The 10-year-Budget, opening for consultation next week, proposes a targeted rate that increases kauri dieback investment from $3 million over ten years, to nearly $100 million. This is the opportunity for Aucklanders to provide feedback on this significant increase to protect kauri for our future generations,” says Councillor Hulse.