Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 11 March 2026
DOC Northern North Island Regional Director Sue Reed-Thomas says the renovation at Kauri Walks will allow improved access to the Four Sisters and open previously inaccessible parts of Waipoua, including unique kauri gumland wetlands.
“Forest health is our top priority, and we are focused on delivering a memorable experience so visitors who come naturing here walk away and want to be part of protecting this incredible taonga for future generations,” Sue says. “Partnership is the key element of the Rākau Rangatira kaupapa. We work alongside Te Roroa to share this significant milestone of getting work underway.”
Piripi Moore, Te Roroa representative, says the renovation works mark an important step forward within the wider Rākau Rangatira kaupapa, which began in earnest with the completion of the new Tāne Mahuta infrastructure and enhanced visitor experience in 2024.
“This phase is also about more than new infrastructure,” Piripi says. “When people come to understand the cultural and ecological significance of Waipoua, they become part of its protection. Our hope is that every manuhiri leaves not only inspired by the majesty of these rākau rangatira, but with a deeper awareness of their responsibility to uphold the mauri of the ngahere.
“For Te Roroa, this is an expression of kaitiakitanga responsibilities in action. We are proud that our kaimahi will be actively involved throughout construction, visibly upholding our role as mana whenua and our intergenerational commitment to safeguard this taonga for ngā uri whakatipu, while helping shape a world-class visitor experience grounded in respect, conservation and kotahitanga.”
Sue says main contractor Keir Projects specialises in this type of construction, with many of the team being multi-disciplined tradespeople who are highly qualified to work in remote areas and sensitive areas.
The new boardwalk will be 1.5 km long. All work will be carried out under robust biosecurity controls approved and monitored by Kauri Ora, DOC, and Tiakina Kauri.
Kauri Walks (Te Matua Ngahere) and the Four Sisters are expected to re-open for visitors in October 2026.
The Four Sisters has been closed since 2019 due to the biosecurity threat posed by the plant pathogen that causes kauri dieback disease.
Tāne Mahuta will remain open for naturing during the upgrade of Kauri Walks.
Background Information
What is kauri Dieback Disease?
Phytophthora agathidicida (PA) is a fungus-type pathogen that damages the tree’s root system, reducing its ability to take water and nutrients from the soil. This causes the condition known as kauri disease, which eventually starves and kills the tree.
PA has devastating effects on New Zealand’s kauri forests and is spread easily through soil movements, for example, when soil is carried on dirty footwear, animals, equipment and vehicles.
Te Matua Ngahere
Te Matua Ngahere is the oldest out of the two largest living kauri trees and is estimated to exceed 2,000 years. He was discovered by Nicholas Yakas in 1928 when he and other men were working to build the road that is now known as SH12.
Measurements:
- trunk girth: 16.41 m
- trunk height: 10.21 m
- total height: 29.9 m
- trunk volume: 208.1 m³
Learn more
DOC and Te Iwi O Te Roroa are working closely with stakeholders, visitor groups and the community on this project, and everyone can play a role in supporting kauri protection. Find out more by visiting Rākau Rangatira project.
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Contact
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