Hunua tracks closed for goat control

10 June 2005

The Auckland Regional Council will close several tracks in the Hunua Regional Park from 20 June to 1 July 2005 during goat control operations.
The following tracks and campsites will be closed from 20 June to 24 June 2005:

Kohukohunui Track
Mine Road and onto Mine Road Track
Upper Mangatawhiri Track
Kohukohunui Trig Track
Ernies Track
Waterline Road
Challenge Track
Lilburne Road
Rata Ridge Track
Mangatangi Ridge Track
Waharau Ridge Track
Upper Link Track
Lower Link Track
Adams Lookout campsite
Piggotts campsite

The following tracks and campsites will be closed from 27 June to 1 July 2005:

Lilburne Road
Mangatangi Hill Road from Pukapuka Track to Mangatangi Dam
Pukapuka Track
Mangatangi Trig Track from Pukapuka Track to Workman Road
Workman Road from park boundary to Mangatangi Dam
Workman Track
Whakatiwai Ridge Track
Waharau Ridge Track
Mangatangi Ridge Track
Rata Ridge Track
Piggotts campsite
Workman campsite

Frank Pavitt, ARC Biosecurity Southern Team Leader says council staff are targeting these areas because of their high conservation value, which is potentially under threat from the increasing numbers of wild goats.

Mr Pavitt says that goats are the second major animal pest after possum in Hunua Regional Park.

“This operation is part of an ongoing pest control programme. We have had significant re-growth following the start of this programme, and this operation assists in keeping the impact of goats to a minimum.

“The closures will not affect the Hunua Regional Park’s most popular walking, mountain biking and horse riding tracks around Hunua Falls, Cosseys Dam, Wairoa Dam and in the Mangatawhiri Valley.

“These will remain open and visitors are welcome.”

Anyone wanting further information on Hunua Regional Park should call the Auckland Regional Council on 09 366 2000 option 2.

ENDS

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