Walk kicks off campaign to save kauri
Labour MP for Te Atatū, Phil Twyford, will walk the Waitakere Ranges’ 70 km Hillary Trail this month to raise awareness of a disease that is ravaging one of New Zealand’s most iconic trees, the kauri.
“Kauri dieback, a spore-borne disease, has killed hundreds of trees throughout the Auckland region, yet resources currently being provided for research are grossly underfunded.
“I’m walking the Hillary Trail to raise awareness of the issue and launch a campaign for increased Government investment in the science, management, and ultimately the treatment of the disease to ensure we don’t lose the kauri altogether,” he says.
The walk will begin at the Arataki Centre in Titirangi at 10am on Monday 14 January. It is expected to take six days to complete the trail, camping along the way at the following locations:
- Monday, January 14: Arataki to Karamatura campground
- Tuesday, January 15: Karamatura to Whatipu Lodge
- Wednesday, January 16: Whatipu to Karekare McCreadie’s Paddock campground
- Thursday, January 17: Karekare to Anawhata Craw campground
- Friday, January 18: Anawhata to Te Henga (staying with friends)
- Saturday, January 19: Te Henga to Muriwai
Phil will be accompanied on the walk by scientists and professionals working on researching and managing the disease as well as locals who have campaigned for years for improved protection for kauri.
Anyone who enjoys the Waitakere Ranges and is keen to help protect our kauri trees is welcome to join him for a shared meal (please bring a plate) at Whatipu Lodge on the evening on Tuesday 15 January 2013.
Please email his assistant on Mels.Barton@parliament.govt.nz if you would like to join Phil at Whatipu Lodge.