The
Department of Conservation is concerned that a publicity
stunt which sent plumes of smoke from the summit of
Rangitoto this morning could have caused a serious fire on
the island reserve.
“The publicity stunt that took place
on Rangitoto was no joke,” said acting Auckland Area
Manager Jonathan Miles.
“The event organisers had not
sought a permit from the Department of Conservation to
conduct this activity.
“Fire is one of the biggest
threats to our conservation estate,” said Jonathan Miles.
“A total open fire ban is in place at all times on
Rangitoto.”
Rangitoto is a very special place with a
fragile ecosystem that has been emerging over the island’s
short 600 year history. It is the largest pohutukawa forest
in the world.
Open fires are not permitted on conservation
islands in the Hauraki Gulf. These include Rangitoto,
Motutapu, Motuihe, Motuora, Tiritiri Matangi, Moturekareka,
Kaikoura, Rakitu, parts of Great Barrier and Burgess
Islands, Hauturu (Little Barrier) and the
Mokohinaus.
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