Severe weather has caused significant damage closing Pirongia Forest, Sainsbury Road Reserve, Kakepuku Mountain Track and several other popular tracks and reserves across Pirongia to protect public safety.
Recent inspections have identified serious safety risks including slips, washouts, blocked culverts, flooding, unstable ground and fallen trees. In some places, tracks are completely impassable and could pose a real danger to walkers and bike riders.
The damage across Pirongia Forest, the Pirongia Mountain Bike Park and Waipā District Council Forestry Block, is extensive. Access roads and trails have been washed out in places, slips have caused downstream damage, and debris and fallen trees are affecting multiple tracks.
Sainsbury Road Reserve, which is popular with horse riders, has also sustained numerous large and small slips near public tracks, making the area unsafe.
Property services manager David Varcoe said the decision to close the forest was made in partnership with the Pirongia Mountain Bike Club.
“We need to carry out detailed geotechnical assessments of both sites on the land and infrastructure before we can reopen and ensure it is safe for public use.”
Other Pirongia sites, Mātakitaki Pā and the Pirongia Esplanade Track have reopened today.
The Department of Conservation has also closed several tracks, campsites and huts on Mount Pirongia after assessments showed damage to tracks and bridges, with some sections washed away. As a precaution they have been closed until detailed inspections can be completed. To view the list of Department of Conservation closures visit bit.ly/DOCclosures
Community services manager Brad Ward said the damage has been devastating, but teams are working hard to assess conditions and prevent further risk.
“We expect Pirongia Forest and Sainsbury Road Reserve to remain closed for some time due to the extent of the damage. We ask everyone to respect the closures, follow signage, and stay out of affected tracks and reserves. It’s important we keep everyone safe.”
“We understand the community enjoy these spaces for recreation but public safety and community wellbeing are our top priorities. We appreciate the public’s patience while we complete assessments and plan the necessary repair work.”
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Waipā District Council declared a State of Emergency on Saturday, February 14 due to severe weather which caused flooding, slips and damage to roads and water infrastructure.
