Waipoua Kauri Forest could become Northland's first officially recognised national park. Conservation Minister Tim Groser has asked the New Zealand Conservation Authority to investigate a proposal to give national park status to the conservation land surrounding the Kauri forests of Northland. The area includes Tane Mahuta - New Zealand's largest known livingkauri tree - and Trounson Kauri Park. "Waipoua Forest, is a pristine forest area with outstanding natural, historic and recreational values, Mr Groser said. "A visit to Tane Mahuta is part of the iconic kiwi experience for visitors and tourists alike." It has been estimated that only 2 per cent of kauri remain - most of those in the forests of Northland. The forests are also home to several threatened species, such as North Island brown kiwi, kukupa (NZ pigeon), pekapeka (bats) and Kauri snails. The area is under the jurisdiction of both the Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council. Kaipara Mayor Neil Tiller has welcomed the announcement saying it was long overdue. The recognition would boost economic development throughout Kaipara but the benefits should not come at the expense of the environment, he said. "Government will need to make a serious effort to protect the forest and its environs. It will need to work closely with iwi and the Department of Conservation to ensure the forest can sustain any increase in tourist numbers," he said. The investigation is to be carried out in collaboration with representatives from the mandated Governance Entity of Te Iwi O Te Roroa and will include significant consultation with local authorities, iwi groups and the public. Alex Nathan, chair of Te Iwi o Te Roroa said the investigation was in its early stages. The 2008 Te Iwi O Te Roroa Settlement Act 2008 had cleared the way for a fresh look at the kauri national park proposal and other local initiatives and Te Roroa would be a central partner in the investigation process. "Ultimately, of fundamental importance, is the protection of the forest," he said. "We are not against it per se - there is the perception the higher profile will have some advantages including the possibility of better resources ... but we will remain mindful of potential problems with any push towards economic development." he said. The current investigation, which is expected to take up to a year, follows two earlier investigation reports in 1992 and 1995. Far North Mayor Wayne Brown could not be contacted for comment.
