Pirongia Forest is ready to welcome back recreational users to its lower slopes, with a range of popular tracks reopening midday tomorrow.
Following severe storm damage that forced the forest’s closure in February, safe access has now been restored to tracks located south of the Mangawawe Stream.
Tracks north of the stream will remain closed due to ongoing safety risks, including unstable ground, debris, and severe damage to connecting forestry roads.
The upcoming reopening was announced to locals at a Pirongia community barbeque on Wednesday evening.
Property services manager David Varcoe said following geotechnical assessments, Council had partnered with the Pirongia Mountain Bike Club to assess which areas could safely reopen.
Tracks reopening this weekend include Sorcerer, Apprentice, Tusker, Home and Away, Alchemy, Easy As, Not so Easy, Hard Labour and Skills.
Sainsbury Road extension will reopen for walkers and horse riders. However, the lower forestry road will remain closed, along with Kakepuku Mountain Track and the Sainsbury Road Reserve.
“People must still stay out of the upper section of Pirongia Forest,” Varcoe said. “These areas remain unsafe, and we ask everyone to follow signage and only enter designated open tracks.”
Pirongia Mountain Bike Club President Les McKenzie said the club has been part of the community for 18 years. “While 12 hours of unprecedented rainfall undid a lot of hard work, we’re proud to be part of a resilient and supportive community.
“What we offer contributes not only to biking, but also to runners, horse riders, and the wider local economy.”
McKenzie acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the recovery.
“We’ve worked closely with Council and can’t speak highly enough of Mayor Mike Pettit and Deputy Mayor Jo Davies-Colley, along with David and the wider Council team who are helping to rebuild and reopen Pirongia Forest,” he said.
“Pirongia is resilient, and we will come back better and stronger.”
Contractors are starting repairs on the Kakepuku Mountain tracks next week. Staff have also visited Sainsbury Road Reserve with the grazier and the Pirongia Horse Riders Club to assess solutions, guided by geotechnical advice. Options are now being considered to safely reopen the reserve.
