Tauranga City Council has announced Mauao will be closed for the next three nights to protect the maunga and ensure public safety after fireworks were left off on multiple nights this week.
Mauao will be fully closed from 7pm to 5am, starting tonight until the morning of Monday 10 November”. Fencing and signage will be in place at all closure points.
“Fireworks were first discharged from the summit on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings this week. In response, four Māori Wardens were stationed on the maunga on Thursday evening, but despite their presence, fireworks were again let off. Due to the number of people spread across the maunga, it was not possible to contain the activity,” a Mauao Trust representative said.
“While we appreciate this closure impacts those who enjoy Mauao in the evenings, this is the only way to ensure the safety of the public and the protection of the maunga.
“We do not take this decision lightly. Māori Wardens were deployed to monitor activity, but despite their presence, fireworks continued to be discharged. This behaviour is reckless, and the fire danger is real. Closing Mauao overnight is not our preferred course of action, but it has become necessary. We will reassess after the weekend.”
Mauao is protected by a permanent fire ban, with fireworks and open flames strictly prohibited. The ban exists to protect the maunga from fire, which poses a serious threat to native wildlife and public safety.
The Council and Trust say this time of year brings particularly high fire risk, with dry vegetation and strong winds. Fires can spread rapidly on the steep terrain, making them extremely difficult to contain.
The January 2016 fire, which started as a scrub fire on the northeastern face of the maunga, quickly grew and destroyed 4,000 square metres of vegetation — a reminder of how quickly fire can take hold.
“We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation in respecting the closure,” said the spokesperson.
For updates, please visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/mauao.
Mauao closed down for three nights after fireworks
