The work our crews are doing on the 1350 hectare Awarua fireground is aimed at preventing the spread of the fire to an even larger area with high biodiversity values and vulnerable wildlife.

Four crews are finding and extinguishing hotspots to prevent flare-ups that could spread outside the control lines and threaten adjoining areas. They have air support from two helicopters today.

While some rain is forecast overnight, the rest of the week is likely to bring largely dry and windy conditions that will mean continued risk of reignition and spread.

Incident Controller Julian Tohiariki says crews will be working on the fire through to next week. The fireground remains closed to the public until after Easter at the earliest because of the hazards caused by the fire. This includes smouldering peat beds and ash pits, as well as the risk of flare ups.

Mr Tohiariki says a priority is to keep the fire from spreading to the 8300 hectares of wetlands to the north of the fireground, and to another 3300 hectares of wetlands and conservation land on the Tiwai Peninsula.

The wetlands are home to many species of birds and fish, and the whole area is valued highly by Te Rūnaka o Awarua.

Today the Minister of Conservation, Hon. Kiritapu Allan, visited the fireground and received a briefing on the management of the fire.

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