Public safety a priority at Pirongia’s Sainsbury Forest
Ensuring public safety is at the heart of new signage at Pirongia’s Sainsbury Forest reflecting the area is a commercial forest, not a public recreational reserve.
The change also reflects Waipā District Council’s responsibility to adhere with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Property services manager David Varcoe said public safety is the main reason for the signage update.
“Public safety is our top priority. The terrain is steep, the forest roads have blind corners, and mountain bikers can reach speeds of 20–30km/h on the tracks. Shared use without proper oversight put people at risk,” Varcoe said.
“We understand this change has caused concern, and we are committed to working with the community to find future recreational opportunities that balance access with safety and compliance.”
The previous signage incorrectly identified the area as a public recreation reserve.
The commercial forest is owned and operated by the council and a cycle trail network is leased to the Pirongia Mountain Bike Club.
Varcoe said while the council recognises the forest has long been enjoyed by walkers, dog owners and horse riders, unsupervised access to the forest presents significant risks. Under its lease, the mountain bike club is required to maintain tracks, have a health and safety plan, and report incidents.
“Council cannot manage these risks effectively if access is open to the general public without oversight, and if there was an incident we could be prosecuted by WorkSafe New Zealand.”
Although public access to the internal forest roads is not permitted, the unformed section of Sainsbury Road, which extends for around a kilometre past the new sign, remains open to pedestrians.
Horse riders can use the neighbouring 41-hectare reserve at 205 Sainsbury Road, where Council is working closely with a local equestrian group to develop new tracks.
"We remain committed to working with the community and is open to ideas for future recreational opportunities in the area, provided they meet health and safety obligations,” Varcoe said.
Pirongia residents are invited to meet with council staff to discuss the changes, share concerns, and provide feedback at a drop-in session on Wednesday, October 22, from 5pm – 7pm at the Pirongia Community Centre.
