Tracks closed in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park due to kauri dieback disease are gradually being reopened.

A rāhui was earlier put in place on Wharawhara Track and the surrounding area, but DOC has been working with mana whenua on a phased reopening of tracks after routine soil testing last July detected Phytophthora agathidicida (PA), the pathogen responsible for kauri dieback disease, on a track near the entrance to the park.

Fifteen tracks were closed to prevent the spread of the pathogen, and a further 10 weeks of testing were conducted.

DOC operations manager Zane Jensen said the pathogen was not found during sampling in October, which led to certain tracks again being deemed usable.

However, Wharawhara Tramway Track and Te Rereatukahia Hut Track remain closed.

“If track conditions aren’t safe for visitors, or if re-opening poses a risk to kauri, they will stay closed for further maintenance to bring them up to standard,” said Jensen.

Visitors to re-opened tracks are reminded to stay on the tracks, arrive clean and leave clean to avoid spreading the PA pathogen.