A popular kauri walking track in the Waipoua Forest has been closed after Kauri Dieback was discovered nearby.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) and Te Roroa, as kaitiaki over Waipoua Forest, have closed Four Sisters Walk temporarily due to the discovery of the kauri dieback pathogen, Phytophthora agathidicida (PA), in the near vicinity.
New test results from recent soil samples were positive for two sites at the stand of kauri trees named 'the Four Sisters'. The walk will close until further notice from today, Monday May 20, and will be monitored for unauthorised visitor usage.
DOC Northern North Island Operations Director Sue Reed-Thomas said both parties are working in partnership to manage the disease at the Four Sisters.
"The immediate closure of the track is the best way to protect the kauri until an informed decision is made on future infrastructure at the site. People should understand that if they access the closed track, and the surrounding site, they are putting our kauri at great risk," Reed-Thomas said.