PHOTO SUPPLIED
LOCAL Department of Conservation staff have been busy this week conducting preliminary checks for any damage to its sites and assets.
Acting operations manager for DOC in Maniapoto Kina Tweeddale said the team was looking for quick fixes where possible and access would be restricted to the public if necessary.
“That work will take time and given the ongoing wet and windy weather a priority for our team will be ensuring they’re safe when visiting these sites.”
Kina said they would be paying close attention to the Mangapohue Natural Bridge, where erosion was an issue before the latest round of storms.
DOC was aware of a slip on the Pureora Timber Trail at about the 70km mark.
“Timber Trail operators are not providing services beyond that point, and we’ll be in contact with stakeholders about how we approach that.”
Kina said the Ruakuri Bush Walk car park was covered in silt and there was also subsidence at the Waitomo Walkway, but it was too soon to put any costs or timeframes on any significant work that needed to be done.
