DoC to close all tracks in Goldie Bush Scenic Reserve following Waitakere Ranges rahui

A Rahui has been declared over the Waitakere Ranges. Photo / Getty Images

More bush tracks are set to close in support of an iwi-imposed rahui over Auckland's Waitakere Ranges.

The Department of Conservation was set to temporarily close all tracks in Goldie Bush Scenic Reserve from Sunday.

The move followed an unofficial ban imposed over the 16,000ha Waitakere Ranges by Te Kawerau a Maki in December last year.

It was seen as a last resort against kauri dieback disease which, in just five years, had spread from 8 per cent to 19 per cent of the park's kauri, with infection rates concentrated around where people walk.

DoC has agreed to include public conservation land to the north of the Ranges, known as Goldie Bush Scenic Reserve, in the rahui.

Closure signs were set to be placed at track entrances and DoC said it would be an offence to use the tracks while closed.

"Since 2009, DoC has significantly improved the track quality in Goldie Bush as part of our programme to prevent the spread of kauri dieback. This has included installing board walk and Geoweb to eliminate muddy sections of the track and diverting water runoff away from kauri," said Kirsty Prior, DoC's Auckland mainland operations manager.

"Over coming weeks we'll carry out further work to ensure the tracks stay mud-free in all conditions to keep kauri safe. We'll also be installing new walk-through cleaning stations at all three entrances, replacing the current grate and spray stations."

Prior said there was no proven cure or treatment for kauri dieback, and that the trees could only be saved by stopping its spread from infected areas.

"People are the number one spreaders of kauri dieback. We need everyone to play their part to help save kauri for future generations."

General Manager of Te Kawerau a Maki Edward Ashby said the iwi welcomed DoC's decision to close the area until they were positive the tracks were safe for kauri.

Kauri dieback lives in the soil and infects kauri roots, damaging the tissues that carry nutrients and water within the tree, effectively starving it to death.

It is easily spread by soil carried on dirty footwear, and by animals, equipment and vehicles. It only takes a pinhead of infected soil to spread the disease.