Potential for new national park

A national park could be created in Northland if a government proposal to give Waipoua Forest national park status gains public support.

Conservation Minister Tim Groser has asked the Conservation Authority to consult iwi, local authorities and the public about establishing New Zealand’s 15th national park in the region.

Mr Groser says only 2 percent of New Zealand’s kauri remains and most of that is in Northland.

"There are no national parks in the area and this government is committed to protecting this amazing landscape," says Mr Groser.

The proposed national park area is home to several threatened species, such as North Island brown kiwi, kukupa – wood pigeon, pekapeka – bats and kauri snails.

It also includes New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree – Tane Mahuta – and Trounson Kauri Park which has a magnificent dense stand of kauri.

"A visit to Tane Mahuta is part of the iconic kiwi experience for visitors and tourists."

Te Roroa Whatu Ora Trust chairman Alex Nathan says it is too early to say if his iwi supports the creation of a national park in its rohe.

"We’re right at the beginning of the process and we’re in discussion with the department.

"It’s not far enough advanced to make any comment."

Far North mayor Wayne Brown did not have enough information about the proposal to comment on whether it would bring significant economic or conservation benefits.

He would like to see Mr Groser announce that the Conservation Department is going to start paying rates on large tracts of land the department administers in the Far North.

Hokianga Tourism Association chairwoman Pauline Evans says giving Waipoua Forest national park status could only boost tourism in the Hokianga.

However, any change of conservation status would need to include adequate resources for the protection of the forests which are threatened by kauri dieback disease phytophthora taxon agathis.

The government announced last month it will spend $4.7 million on a five-year programme aimed at containing the disease.

- © Fairfax NZ News