Six regional parks across Tāmaki Makaurau that were closed due to severe weather damage have been actively assessed, with three due to reopen tomorrow.
Āitu Creek Regional Park, Tāwharanui Regional Park and Hunua Regional Park will reopen on 1 March, with restrictions to facilities.
Auckland Council says the remaining three parks – Muriwai Regional Park, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park (Piha, Karekare, Bethells, Whatipu), and Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park -will stay closed for an extended period of time.
“Our ranger kaimahi, when not supporting the response with Emergency Services and Auckland Emergency Management, are prioritising efforts to fully assess the effects of the severe weather events,” says Auckland Emergency Management Duty Controller, Parul Sood.
“The parks have been affected in a number of ways, including flooding, slips, facility damage, water supply, and access issues. Assets outside of the parks have also been affected such as the power network and roading infrastructure.
“This means there are specific facilities within the reopened parks that remain closed. These will be monitored, with closures extended or removed as ground conditions improve.
“Visitors should exercise caution by avoiding walking under trees. Some tracks will remain closed due to slips or other hazards.
“Parks staff are continuing to assess damage and accessibility, with a view to opening these areas as soon as practicable.
“Looking at the long-range forecast, we are hoping for more favourable conditions so the ground can dry out and we can start to repair the damage.
For the most up to date information on closures and interruptions to facilities, you can visit the Auckland Council website.
