After a very wet winter, a lot of our tracks still have damage. This includes slips, washouts, missing bridges and fallen branches.

Our staff are working hard to fix them, but it’s a huge job, especially repairing storm damage in the top of the South Island.

We know it is frustrating when it takes a long time to fix a track. Please be patient – we’re doing the best we can. It only takes minutes for a flooded river to wash away a bridge or for a section of track to collapse, but rebuilding in the backcountry can take many months.

When you’re planning a tramp or heading out for a walk, it’s essential to check our website for any alerts for that track or facility. Even if the weather has been good recently, the track might still have damage from extreme weather events earlier in the year. The local Visitor Centre can also provide up-to-date information on track conditions.

For more information about the current alerts, visit us here: https://bit.ly/2URz3jb

This is a walkway that we are all interested in and many questions have been asked regarding when it will open. Here is the current update from Alexis Poppelbaum, Hibiscus and Bays Local Board member:

Okura Bush Walkway update from DoC 

I get so many people asking me about what is happening with the Okura Bush Walkway and when it will open again. Unfortunately DoC have previously been very slow to get back to me (or not at all) and the information hasn't been useful. I reached out yet again recently and begged them to provide an update for all of us wanting to know what is going on, and here it is:

"As you know, kauri dieback has been found in Okura Bush. Phytophthora agathidicida (PA) is a soil-borne pathogen which infects kauri trees, causing the condition known as kauri dieback. PA can be spread through just a single speck of soil or dirt, and for this reason we need to be vigilant in reducing the potential for the pathogen to spread, which is why the track remains closed at this time.

Since Okura Bush Walkway was closed in 2018, the Department has undertaken substantial upgrades to the track, both mitigation works for kauri dieback as well as works to remedy two slips on the track. An inspection of the track undertaken in 2021 highlighted a number of issues which have led to the Department, in conjunction with mana whenua, to explore further mitigation of the walkway: small sections of the track were still not mud-free, and differences between DOC’s track mitigation standards for kauri dieback and the standards Auckland Council is meeting in its recent kauri dieback works in the Waitakere Ranges.

In December 2021, the Department entered into a track management agreement for Okura Bush Walkway with mana whenua. The purpose of the agreement is to outline how the Department and mana whenua (in this case comprising Te Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāti Manuhiri and Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aōtea) will work together to enable public access within the rāhui area laid over the Okura Bush Scenic Reserve in a way that reduces the risk of kauri dieback disease and supports broader forest health. The outcome of implementing the plan will result in public enjoyment of the reserve in a way that respects tikanga, meeting the aspirations of both the Department and mana whenua.

The Department and mana whenua are working with a specialist engineering company on the design of further mitigation works. We are also currently exploring options to fund these works. Unfortunately I cannot give a firm timeline of when these works will be completed.

We recognise the frustration of many members of the public that Okura Bush Walkway has now been closed for more than four years, and will remain closed for the 2022/2023 summer season. The Department asks for continued patience from the public while we work towards the track’s reopening.

You may also be interested to note that a National Pest Management Plan for kauri came into effect in August 2022, approved under the Biosecurity Act 1993. It sets out several measures and requirements to protect kauri from PA and to support broader kauri health. You can find more information on the National Pest Management Plan at National Plan | Tiakina Kauri (kauriprotection.co.nz)."

List of 54 Huts in Te Urewera and the Plan for their Decommissioning

Hut Name	Hut Type	Action
Apiti Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Casino Hut	Basic Hut/bivvy	Close and remove
Central Waiau Hut	Hut	Close and remove
Duckville Hut	Basic Hut/bivvy	Close and remove
Hanamahihi Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Hapenuia hut	Staff Accommodation	Close and remove
Kaharoa Hut	Staff Accommodation	Close and remove
Koaunui Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Makakoere Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Makomako Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Manaohou Right Branch Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Mangaawai Hut	Staff Accommodation	Close and remove
Mangamako Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Mangapouri Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Mangatoatoa Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Manuoha Hut	Hut	Close and remove
Marauiti Hut	Great Walk Hut	Open and consider
Maraunui Base	Staff Accommodation	Open and consider
Mosen's Hut	Staff Accommodation	Close and remove
Ngahiramai Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Ngatamatea hut	Staff Accommodation	Close and remove
Ohane Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Ohora Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Old Waiawa Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Onepu Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Otamatunu Hut	Staff Accommodation	Close and remove
Otane Hut	Basic Hut/bivvy	Close and remove
Otanetea Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Otapukawa Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Pakoakoa Hut	Staff Accommodation	Close and remove
Panekire Hut	Great Walk Hut	Open and consider
Papanui Hut	Staff Accommodation	Close and remove
Sandy Bay Hut	Serviced Hut	Open and consider
Takarua Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Tataweka Hut	Basic Hut/bivvy	TBC Historic
Taurawharona Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Tawhiwhi Hut	Standard Hut	Temp Kaimahi Accommodation
Te Panaa Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Te Pourewa Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Te Pua Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Te Rangaakapua Hut	Basic Hut/bivvy	Close and remove
Te Totara Hut	Standard Hut	TBC Historic
Te Waiotukapiti Hut	Hut	Close and remove
Te Wairoa/Rogers Hut	Hut	TBC Historic
Waiawa Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Waiharuru Hut	Great Walk Hut	Close and remove
Waihua Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Waikare Junction Hut	Standard Hut	Close and remove
Waikokopu Hut	Staff Accommodation	Close and remove
Waiopaoa Hut	Great Walk Hut	Close and remove
Waipotiki Hut	Staff Accommodation	Close and remove
Whakatakaa Hut	Hut	Close and remove

FMC Comments on Reports of Hut Removals in Te Urewera
Media Release: 12/10/2022
“The proposal to remove DOC huts from Te Urewera has come as somewhat of a surprise to FMC. We acknowledge that this is a result of Crown injustices, 20 years of DOC’s neglect of the Urewera backcountry. We also acknowledge Tūhoe’s wish to revitalise backcountry infrastructure on their ancestral land in a way that embodies their culture”, says FMC President, Robin McNeill.
“The state of much of the hut network in Te Urewera upon settlement was already questionable. It is understandable that Tūhoe see hosting poorly maintained DOC huts without a maintenance budget as an unwelcome imposition.”
McNeill is disappointed that recreational interests were not consulted on the plan. “DOC needs always to properly engage with the public on matters that are of such importance to the recreational community”.
“FMC seeks a future where tangata whenua and manuhiri work together to look after and appreciate Te Urewera. We will be meeting with Tūhoe to further understand their plans for Te Urewera. Until then, it would be inappropriate to comment on those plans. We would, of course, hope that huts with significant historic or recreational value could be retained. We are also in discussions with DOC to understand why they felt it appropriate to make this decision on behalf of the public with no input from the tramping and hunting communities, and to seek assurances that this doesn’t happen again.”
Mr McNeill understands the concerns some trampers hold that the DOC huts may not all be replaced. Trampers need to be much more alarmed by hinted DOC plans to abandon backcountry huts throughout the rest of New Zealand, he says.

“DOC Head Office has already cut funding for the Backcountry Trust, which is doing sterling work enabling volunteers to restore backcountry huts – our places – that DOC will not do themselves. I hear DOC is considering cutting funding for all backcountry huts. If that were true, it would not be acceptable.”
“DOC has a statutory duty to foster recreation, and FMC calls upon DOC to openly engage with the recreational community on these matters in future.”

ENDS

 For more information, please contact Allan Brent, FMC Vice President, 027 306 2965

Our club members help out with projects in the Kaimais - if you'd like to help there is an opportunity coming up soon, for proven members. If you're not a member yet, you do have time.

See the article here on the Kaimais tracks and huts!

Thanks to Ivan for these photos of a stunning day!

From Imogen Hewlett:

Hi trampers, these were forwarded on to those of us that attended the Council Park Ranger guided walk at Kauri Point last week. Very interesting as always.

"The Treasures of the Forest" link in particular is really useful for bush skills. What to do if you get stung, amongst others. Quite pertinent as the weather is starting to warm up and there are more wasps around during our tramping excursions.

Join community rangers this Conservation Week / Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa on their learning journey. Be inspired by the knowledge shared by ngahere ranger Riki Bennett and Māori healer Donna Kerridge in our amazing community parks. Creating this series of videos has inspired our community rangers and will help encourage your communities during Conservation Week. Ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata – when the land is well, the people are well.

Here are the links:

Ngā kaiāwhina o te taiao - Supporters of the environment (playlist): https://youtube.com/playlist...

Ngā taonga ō te ngahere - Treasures of the forest: https://youtu.be/qakMZv8rjtw

Rongoā i te ngahere - Healing in the forest: https://youtu.be/caUEUoofb-U

Te oranga ō te ngahere - Health of the forest: https://youtu.be/8pM26P0UZ0k

Ngā whakatumu ki te ngahere - Threats to the forest: https://youtu.be/PP7ZOjQklwk

 

Improvements to parking and access are being made at Tawharanui Regional Park, so the main car park has been closed. However, parking and amenities are still available in the campground area. Please check here for more details.

The latest issue of Canopy is out - it includes news on native forest reserves and restoration. Download your copy here

As we emerge from what seems like a particularly wet and chilly winter, I am heartened by the articles in this issue of Canopy. We have made some fantastic reserves purchases this year, discovered and protected important wildlife and habitats, and continued our restoration work successfully involving and encouraging local interest groups. Our new Michael Taylor Kiwi Reserve neatly fills a gap between several conservation areas important for kiwi in Northland. A Trustee, avid conservationist and ornithologist, Dr Taylor left a sizeable bequest to the Trust which was used to purchase the property next to the Marlborough Forest. The new reserve already holds a good population of kiwi and we look forward to establishing a stronghold for kiwi there. We provide an update on the Patui appeal which is now nearing the end goal, an amazing achievement given the scale of the task. In addition we hear about the new discoveries at Patui which only further justify the decision to purchase. The account of the war against pampas grass in the Marie Neverman Reserve put me in mind of a military operation, albeit catered with tea, biscuits and BBQ sausages! And we also highlight some community engagement projects in the Far North, including a huge predator control programme to protect Northland brown kiwi.

Click to download your copy

All of our work is reliant on the help of honorary rangers, supporters and local community groups. Because of your support, whether practical or financial, we are able to protect and restore native habitats for the benefit of all. As always, heartfelt thanks go out to everyone for all your help. Best wishes,

Sandy Crichton Trust Manager

Our club members always enjoy reading trip reports and sharing the experiences, so thank you to everyone who has sent in trip reports and/or photos of their adventures!
For future reports we have to be very mindful of the privacy of club members who may not want personal information and/or their photos placed on the internet. Therefore, if anyone wishes to send in a report or pictures from a trip, please ensure those people in your photos have given their permission for you to use their image. If in doubt, lovely scenic photos will be just great!