Sections of some tracks across Pirongia Forest Park in Waikato may be closed for several weeks as DOC staff continue assessments for visitor safety and decide how any repairs will be managed.
Pirongia was struck by intense rainfall on 13 and 14 February and several DOC tracks and assets on the maunga were flooded or damaged. Waipā District, where the popular forest park is located, remained under a State of Emergency until 28 February.
DOC's Waikato Operations Manager Niwha Jones says his staff have completed the majority of the post-storm assessments across the forest park, with only sections of the Tirohanga and Hihikiwi tracks still to be checked due to road restrictions around the maunga.
"Early findings show several tracks appear to be less affected by that weather event, with mainly surface flooding, debris, and treefall to address," Niwha says.
"Once our safety checks are completed, minor remediation work is expected to enable us to reopen some routes to the Kaniwhaniwha Campsite and Pahautea Hut, including the Ruapane Track and sections of the Tirohanga Track.
"We're hopeful we can reopen those to the public in the next few weeks."
Niwha says other parts of the Pirongia track network have suffered substantial damage. The Bell Track, Mahaukura Track, Mangakara Nature Walk, and Tahuanui Track have all been severely impacted, with multiple slips, destroyed structures, and areas where the track has been washed away.
These sites will require a more detailed geotechnical assessment and careful logistical planning and are likely to remain closed for some time. Some of the repair work will be undertaken by DOC staff. Where tracks are assessed as viable to repair and needing more complex repairs, experts will be contracted and specialist machinery is likely to be brought in.
Updates will be provided as further assessments are completed and reopening timeframes become clearer.
In the meantime, Niwha asked for public patience and understanding while Waikato DOC staff continue their response and assess each site to gain the full Pirongia recovery picture and put robust plans in place.
"Public safety is the number one priority for DOC, and we want to make the right decisions and to include the whakaaro of our hapuu," Niwha says.
"Where tracks are closed, we are urging the public to respect those closures and explore other locations around the district to enjoy naturing."
People can visit the DOC website pages for individual tracks for the latest updates. Website pages carry alerts on closures, detours or other information people need to be aware of.
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn't scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It's behind our identity and our way of life.
