The Mauao Trust and Tauranga City Council have expressed their disappointment and concern after fireworks were set off on Mauao overnight, saying the behaviour was illegal, dangerous, and completely unacceptable.
Mauao is protected by a permanent fire ban, which includes cigarettes, lighters, fireworks, and recreational fires of any kind.
“Mauao is a sacred and historic reserve — not a place for fireworks,” a Mauao Trust representative said in a statement.
“We are outraged and deeply concerned by this incident. The 2016 fire caused immense damage, and we will not risk that happening again. We call on authorities and our community to take this seriously and protect our maunga.”
The fire that broke out on Mauao in January 2016 destroyed approximately 4,000 square metres of vegetation.
Mauao is a Special Ecological Area, home to Tauranga’s richest native biodiversity. Many species are currently in their breeding season, making this an especially sensitive time, the spokesperson said.
“We all have a responsibility to respect the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of Mauao to ensure he remains healthy and continues to support our community into the future.”
“We thank the majority of our community who continue to do the right thing and help protect Mauao.”
