The Department of Conservation together with mana whenua are assessing closed tracks in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park this month with the aim to begin phased reopening in the next four weeks.

The Wharawhara Track and areas within immediate proximity of the site were temporarily closed and a rāhui was imposed in July when Phytophthora agathidicida, the pathogen that causes kauri disease, was detected during routine soil sampling.

DOC operations manager Zane Jensen says restricting access protected kauri by limiting any possible spread of the pathogen while wider sampling across the site was complete.

'We're pleased sampling did not re-detect the pathogen that causes kauri disease, so we can now look forward to re-opening areas within the site.”

DOC staff will assess track condition and make sure they are safe for visitors to use.

'We will update our website as tracks re-open between now and October 29. Until then they will stay closed,” says Zane.

'If track conditions aren't safe for visitors, or re-opening would pose further risk to kauri, they will stay closed for further maintenance to bring them up to standard.

'We'll continue collaborating with mana whenua, Tiakina Kauri, and other agencies to monitor and protect kauri.”

Mana whenua liaison Carlton Bidois says further sampling work and new infrastructure is needed to lower risk of visitors transferring the pathogen to kauri.

'Mana whenua will continue to assess the merits of lifting rāhui against the backdrop of risk management options moving forward.”

DOC, in partnership with mana whenua, have made the call to have two tracks – and the Wharawhara Tramway Track and Te Rereatukahia Hut Track – remain closed for approximately six months for additional sampling in suitable conditions.

Visitors to re-opened tracks are reminded to stay on tracks, arrive clean, and leave clean to avoid spreading the PA pathogen.