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Tāne Mahuta, Northland’s iconic kauri tree, reopened on December 21, following a dawn blessing by Te Roroa celebrating the completion of significant conservation work.
The walking track to Tāne Mahuta in Waipoua Forest has been closed since September 30, 2024. The reopening comes just in time for the summer season and busy holiday period, allowing the public to reconnect with this treasured taonga.
Visitors can now enjoy Tāne Mahuta with new features that protect this irreplaceable tree and enrich the visitor experience. As part of the Rākau Rangatira project, the site now includes a specially designed raised boardwalk, bridge, and viewing platform, ensuring safer access while minimising environmental impact.
This reopening is a key milestone in the wider Rākau Rangatira project, a collaboration between Te Roroa and DOC to enhance forest health, protect kauri trees from dieback disease, and improve visitor experiences in Waipoua Forest.
Next steps in the project include:
- Ongoing monitoring and maintenance of biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.
- Long-term forest health assessments to ensure Tāne Mahuta and surrounding kauri thrive for future generations.
- Further upgrades to visitor facilities and educational resources to foster a deeper understanding of kauri conservation.
“Tāne Mahuta is more than just a tree; he is a living ancestor, a sacred connection to our whakapapa and our atua. His health and survival are intertwined with the well-being of our people and the land. Seeing him protected and cared for gives us all great pride and hope for the future,” says Te Roroa general manager Snow Tane.
DOC Kauri Coast operations manager Stephen Soole expressed gratitude for the public’s patience and support during the closure.
“Tāne Mahuta holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders and visitors alike. We are proud to reopen this sacred site and invite everyone to visit respectfully, knowing their actions contribute to the preservation of this ancient forest,” says Stephen.
Visitors are reminded to follow biosecurity protocols during their visit, including using the wash stations provided, to protect Tāne Mahuta and the surrounding ecosystem.
