The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is reminding Aucklanders that protecting the Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) from fire is a year-round responsibility, with extra precautions to be put in place for Guy Fawkes.
The Authority says devastating fires in recent years, including damage at Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere Mountain in 2024, and earlier fires caused by fireworks on Maungarei / Mt Wellington and Maungawhau / Mt Eden highlight the ongoing risks. Even a single spark can cause long-term harm to the cultural and natural landscape of these wāhi tapu (sacred places), says Tūpuna Maunga Authority Chair, Paul Majurey.
“Every year we face the same risk from fireworks, and every year we are forced to take extraordinary steps to protect the Maunga. The Tūpuna Maunga are sacred, and their protection must come before fireworks. Fires are preventable, yet the damage they leave can be permanent. It is our responsibility to safeguard them,” said Mr Majurey.
Temporary closures during Guy Fawkes 2025
All 14 Tūpuna Maunga will be closed to the public in the evenings during the Guy Fawkes period to reduce the risk of fireworks-related fires.
- Closure times: 6.30pm – 7am
- Dates: Sunday 2 November – Wednesday 5 November
- Security: Teams stationed at entrances and patrolling across the Maunga. Additional patrols will continue over the following weekend.
The Authority also maintains fire breaks along Maunga boundaries and works closely with Fire and Emergency New Zealand to ensure rapid response in the event of a fire.
“Until the Government ends the public sale of fireworks, these precautions remain essential. Our priority is keeping the Maunga, their surrounding communities, and all visitors safe,” says Mr Majurey.
Fireworks and open fires are strictly prohibited on the Maunga at all times.
The 14 Tūpuna Maunga
- Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill
- Maungarei / Mount Wellington
- Maungawhau / Mount Eden
- Maungauika / North Head
- Ōwairaka / Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura / Mount Albert
- Ōhinerau / Mount Hobson
- Ōhuiarangi / Pigeon Mountain
- Ōtāhuhu / Mount Richmond
- Pukewīwī / Puketāpapa / Mount Roskill
- Te Kōpuke / Tītīkōpuke / Mount St John
- Takarunga / Mount Victoria
- Te Pane o Mataaho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere Mountain
- Te Tātua a Riukiuta / Big King
- Matukutūruru / Wiri Mountain
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority says it is continuing to urge the Government to ban public sales of fireworks.
