A full overnight closure will be in place on Mauao Mt Maunganui over the next three evenings in response to “reckless” fireworks which were let off on the mountain this week.
Tauranga City Council said Mauao would be full closed from pm to 5am from Friday, November 7 to the morning of Monday, November 10.
The council said fencing and signage would be in place at all closure points.
Fireworks were first discharged from the summit of Mauao on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
Tauranga City Council said four Māori Wardens were stationed at Mauao on Thursday evening as a response. However, despite their presence, fireworks were again let off.
The number of people spread across the maunga meant it was not possible to contain the activity, the council said.
A Mauao Trust representative said “we do not take this decision lightly”.
“While we appreciate this closure impacts those who enjoy Mauao in the evenings, this is the only way to ensure the safety of the public and the protection of the maunga.”
The representative said the recent behaviour was “reckless, and the fire danger is real”.
“Closing Mauao overnight is not our preferred course of action, but it has become necessary. We will reassess after the weekend.”
Tauranga City Council said Mauao was protected by a permanent fire ban, and fireworks and open flames were strictly prohibited.
“This time of year brings particularly high fire risk, with dry vegetation and strong winds. Fires can spread rapidly on the steep terrain, making them extremely difficult to contain.
“The January 2016 fire, which started as a scrub fire on the northeastern face of the maunga, quickly grew and destroyed 4,000 square metres of vegetation — a reminder of how quickly fire can take hold.”
The council added it appreciated the public’s understanding and cooperation in respecting the closure.
