Landmark Whangārei park closed because of kauri dieback threat

Whangārei's AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park will close for at least three months after the pathogen that causes kauri dieback disease was found. Photo / NZME

A Whangārei park, known as one of the only urban areas where 500-year-old kauri can be viewed up close, is closing because of kauri dieback.

AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park closed at 3pm on Thursday for an initial period of three months while further testing was done.

The closure came after the fungus-like pathogen that causes kauri dieback disease, Phytophthora agathidicida, was detected in one tree in the park.

Whangārei District Council has worked with iwi/hapū partners, Northland Regional Council and other experts since it was told of the positive result last week.

A hui on Wednesday supported the closure to help stop the disease spreading, said Māori Ward councillor and meeting facilitator Phoenix Ruka.

“That area is one of the only urban areas in the country where you can visit kauri. We are trying to respond as quickly as possible.”

As well as further scientific testing, kaumatua and kuia would ensure tikanga was in place to look after the wairua (spirituality) of the area, he said.

Ruka said the meeting was quite tense because of attendees being passionate about the environment and the iconic kauri.

Once kauri dieback sets into a tree, it cannot be reversed.

However, Ruka hoped it was good news the tree that tested positive for Phytophthora agathidicida was not showing any symptoms of dieback.

Other tests in Whangārei had also not detected the pathogen.

AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park is one of the few urban areas where kauri trees up to 500 years old can be viewed. Photo / NZME

Ruka said it was important to have all the hapū leaders present at the meeting, with many having expertise in looking after kauri.

The council was clear it was not the expert and needed guidance, he said.

Ruka said attendees speculated the pathogen could have been spread by people straying off the formed tracks in the park and bringing dogs into the area.

He implored the community to respect the closure and understand the gravity of the situation.

“Our kauri are our native trees – it’s the beloved symbol of Northland – so we need to take these steps to protect it.

“Be mindful that this closure wasn’t taken lightly and is not to interfere with people’s lives, but this is so important to us: these trees are a part of our lives and this is what it takes to manaaki them.”

The closure covers the entire AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park on Whareora Rd, including the part of the Hātea walkway that runs through the site.

The walkway was already partly closed because of a swing bridge failing its safety inspection, and the path between the swing bridge and the park was now inaccessible.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.