Charges laid in connection to Kauri dieback disease

Auckland Council has filed its first charges for breaches of the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw in relation to Kauri dieback.

It’s alleged a member of the public entered a closed track in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park three times over the last five months. If found guilty that person could be fined up to $20,000.

Forty-nine tresspass notices have been issued in the six months since restrictions were imposed.

“While most Aucklanders understand the need for temporary track closures to help stop the spread of dieback, those individuals who flout the rules with no regard for the damage they cause need to be held to account,” says Mayor Phil Goff.

 "This prosecution reflects the seriousness of the issue and sends a clear message to anyone breaching closed tracks areas that we will take enforcement action.

“The survival of our most iconic native tree is at risk and the decisions to close the tracks are based on hard evidence about what is necessary to slow and reverse the spread of kauri dieback disease.”

Since stepping up compliance efforts six months ago, the council has issued 49 trespass notices.

Ninety-five percent of offenders have been locals who live adjacent to the parks.

Kauri forest stand.

“For the most part, visitors to the ranges play by the rules,” says Steve Pearce, Auckland Council’s Manager Regulatory Compliance.

“We have compliance officers working around the region to increase the level of education about the disease and compliant behaviour. Most Aucklanders have heard the message; they keep off closed tracks and use the cleaning stations so it’s disappointing a few continue to believe the rules are not for them.”

Compliance officers will have an increased presence over the Christmas and New Year period in the Waitākere and Hunua Ranges and in local parks where tracks have been closed.

Ambassadors will also be out in force, working the same areas, educating visitors on kauri dieback.