This article was first published by RNZ.
Auckland’s maunga authority is considering closing mountains to the public on holidays due to ‘unlawful’ fires.
It comes after two weekend blazes on Māngere mountain, with one scorching three hectares.
The fires are being investigated by police and Fire and Emergency, but Tupuna Maunga Authority chairperson Paul Majurey believed the fires were intentional.
Speaking to Morning Report, Majurey said there had been some “very sick behaviours” on Auckland’s mountains and it was hard to fathom why people would do it.
“It’s a few individuals who are being reckless on these sacred spaces.”
Fires on the mountains was very distressing for local iwi, he said.
The authority could undertake a certain amount of management responsibility but Majurey said enforcement would need to be done by police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
“We have limited options to protect these taonga - but a last resort is closing down the maunga.”
There were no proposals as such, he said, but the authority was looking at options.
“We have wide support from the community to do that as people understand what we’re faced with and recognise these iconic places.”
- RNZ