The 18 kilometre long Pipiwharauroa Trail on the Wharauroa Plateau will be temporarily closed to the public during lambing season.
To support stock welfare, the walking and cycling trail which winds over the Te Uku wind farm site and privately-owned farmland will be closed during August and September.
Waikato District Council general manager of Water & Facilities, Richard Bax, said the trail will be temporarily closed to the public to keep the area as quiet as possible during the lambing season.
“This is a very important time in the farming calendar and minimal activity around the stock will help reduce potential stress on ewes and lambs and allow them to better bond.”
He said the formation of the Pipiwharauroa Trail, which takes approximately four hours to walk or two hours to cycle, was only made possible with the co-operation and goodwill of the landowners and that its temporary closure would also benefit the area by allowing a period of plant regeneration for the trail.
Since opening in August 2011 the trail has been popular with walkers and cyclists, particularly over the summer months.
“Whether walking or cycling, people get to experience an outstanding 360 degree view across the greater Waikato when they follow the Pipiwharauroa Trail, they can also visit the historic site Te Tiho o Tonganui (treasured by local iwi, Ngaati Maahanga) and get close to a number of the 137 metre high turbines in operation on the wind farm.”
From the end of Plateau Rd the Way follows a paper road. The walking Access Commission outdoor access code says, “Unformed legal roads are no different in law from formed roads. That is, the public have the right to use them on foot, on horse, or in vehicles without hindrance from the adjacent landholder or anyone else”. Can roads be closed other than for safety or for notified special events?
I’ve asked WDC if the correct process was followed for closing the legal road for the lambing event.
They said:
Hi Rodger
I have looked into this for you and to clarify we are not closing the road, we are only closing the easement section which is at the bottom of the track.
Kind Regards
Narelle Barrowcliffe
Communications Manager
Waikato District Council
Thanks for getting that clarification. I wonder if Narelle is going to send it to everyone she sent the misleading release?