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Work is about to begin on the first phase of a long-term, transformative project to protect Tāne Mahuta and preserve Waipoua Forest for future generations.
The Department of Conservation and Te Iwi O Te Roroa have announced the awarding of the tender for the reconstruction of the bridge, boardwalk, and viewing platform at Tāne Mahuta to Milton Harward Construction.
This work is part of phase one of ‘Rākau Rangatira’ a partnership project between DOC and Te Iwi O Te Roroa to upgrade both the visitor infrastructure and the visitor experience in Northland’s Waipoua Forest.
Tāne Mahuta Walk to temporarily close
Construction is due to commence on September 30, 2024.
While this work is underway access to Tāne Mahuta will be closed for approximately eight weeks in advance of the busy summer season. Kauri Walks (Te Matua Ngahere) will remain open for visitors to enjoy Waipoua.
DOC’s Kauri Coast operations manager Stephen Soole says Tāne Mahuta and the other Rākau Rangatira (Chiefly Trees) of Waipoua are at serious risk from the further irreversible spread of the pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida, which causes kauri dieback disease, meaning proactive and sustainable measures are essential.
“DOC is proud to work alongside Te Roroa to replace end-of-life facilities at Tāne Mahuta which are no longer fit for purpose and currently pose risks to the forest and visitors.
“Upgrading these facilities provides a crucial opportunity to enhance protections for kauri in Waipoua and increase visitor safety for approximately 200,000 visitors a year,” he says.
“Protecting Tāne during construction works is vital and we are pleased to have a contractor specialising in undertaking works in kauri forests on board,” says Te Iwi O Te Roroa general manager Snow Tāne.
“Our Kauri Ora teams will be assisting throughout construction to monitor controls and protection protocols.”
Future phases of work
Future phases of the Rākau Rangatira project aim to upgrade visitor infrastructure and enhance the visitor experience at Waipoua Forest while prioritising forest health.
“In partnership with Te Roroa, we are exploring ambitious and transformative operating models and regenerative tourism options, designed to restore and enhance Waipoua’s natural environment while ensuring a sustainable future,” says Stephen.
“Guided walks and a park-and-ride option are two initiatives being explored. If introduced, they will deepen visitors’ connection to culture and nature, increase public safety, minimize environmental impact, and allow visitors to play an active role in contributing to ongoing conservation.
“Through the development of improved infrastructure, DOC and Te Roroa hope to provide the opportunity for visitors to experience parts of Waipoua that have not previously been accessible such as some of the wetland areas behind Te Matua Ngahere.
Tāne Mahuta is expected to re-open with renewed assets for visitors to enjoy from end-November 2024.
