Auckland Council considers more extensive closure of Waitākere Ranges, Hunua Ranges to tackle kauri dieback

A Rahui or customary prohibition sign in Titirangi, asks visitors not to enter tracks or forested areas in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Photo / Getty Images

Closures in the Waitākere Ranges could soon be enforced with fencing and security guards and parts of the Hunua Ranges may also be closed to combat kauri dieback.

Auckland Council is looking at ramping up its management of kauri dieback in West Auckland forests after a report showed "there [was] still a risk of human based activity spreading the disease".

The council's latest report into the issue states the "current approach is not working" and included revised options for handling the issue.

The report precedes a meeting this morning, when the council will debate its management of kauri dieback in the Waitākere and Hunua Ranges.

Revised options included "containing the disease in the Waitākere Ranges, as far as practicable" and "protecting healthy areas such as the Hunua Ranges".

Councillor Penny Hulse told Radio New Zealand's Nine to Noon the council would also consider stepping up enforcement and penalties around the restrictions.

"We're talking fencing [and] very clear signage, which makes it clear why you're not to go into those tracks."

"We will close carparks and we will have security guards to make sure people adhere to the rules."

Hulse said people could be trespassed and those walking out of the park with muddy boots could face prosecution.

The restrictions would apply to forested areas, not beaches and pasturelands.

"High-risk kauri tracks" in the Hunuas may also be closed.

The councillors are being asked to approve $2.2 million to fund targeted patrols. The total ongoing cost of patrols could cost $3.3 million.

The report recommended the changes be in place by May 1.

Today's council meeting followed volunteer action over the weekend, aiming at deterring visitors from using tracks affected by Te Kawerau a Maki's rāhui.

Te Kawerau a Maki imposed the unofficial ban over the 16,000ha park in December last year.

Auckland Council had closed certain affected tracks, but had come under fire for not closing the entire park.

Tree Council secretary Dr Mels Barton told the Herald yesterday she was largely pleased with the response to the50 volunteers over the weekend.

"The vast majority of the people that they spoke to either didn't understand the rāhui, didn't know about it at all or didn't know that the council closure didn't match up with the rãhui," she said.

"Once they realised that they were not complying with the rāhui and they were actually breaching it, they were quite horrified and really happy not to do that again."

Barton said there would be more events like adopt-a-track, though she hoped discussions within Auckland Council might lead to the full closure of the park.