Last week the Kaipatiki Local Board​ endorsed a strategy to temporarily close bush tracks that put kauri trees at risk of kauri dieback disease. Until now, tracks have only been closed while upgrades are occurring, but this new strategy will close tracks as a pre-emptive measure against the disease. We are expecting an announcement soon on which tracks will be temporarily closed.

The tracks are likley to be closed for 3 to 6 months, and while they are closed, the tracks will be assessed and prioritised for upgrading or re-routing. Cleaning stations will also be installed where possible. The tracks will then be re-opened as soon as they are up to the new standard.
Thankyou to Pest Free Kaipātiki​ and the representatives of 7 bush reserve volunteer groups who presented at our meeting in support of track closures. Thankyou also to council officers who have been working hard to escalate the priority of protecting Kaipatiki reserves.

To help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease, please ensure that your shoes are clean of all dirt before you enter our bush reserves, and where possible, visit parks that do not have kauri trees. With the disease already detected at Kauri Park and Muriel Fisher Reserve, it is really important for us to take these measures to protect our native forests. The Pest Free Kaipatiki team have provided the following guide as an indication of where it is best to walk and best to avoid, if possible: https://www.pestfreekaipatiki.org.nz/kaipatiki-reserves