Fireworks Warning For Auckland's Maunga

Friday, 10 October 2025, 4:36 pm
Article: Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter

Aucklanders are being reminded of the importance of protecting the Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains), with Guy Fawkes looming in November.

The advice comes from the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, following devastating fires in recent years.

Last year, Māngere Mountain was hit by fire twice in January - the second blaze destroying 3ha of vegetation.

Earlier fires broke out on Maungarei/Mt Wellington last November, and Maungawhau/Mt Eden, both caused by fireworks.

Tūpuna Maunga Authority chair Paul Majurey said the protection of Auckland’s ancestral mountains from fire was a year-round responsibility, with extra precautions in place around Guy Fawkes.

“Every year we face the same risk from fireworks, and every year we are forced to take extraordinary steps to protect the Maunga,” Majurey said.

“The Tūpuna Maunga are sacred, and their protection must come before fireworks. Fires are preventable, yet the damage they leave can be permanent. It is our responsibility to safeguard them.”

Temporary closures during Guy Fawkes 2025 mark the seventh consecutive year of restrictions, following a history of fires caused by fireworks on Maungarei/Mt Wellington, Maungawhau/Mt Eden, and Te Pane o Mataoho/Te Ara Pueru (Māngere Mountain) in 2019 and 2023.

The blazes had caused extensive damage to native vegetation, wildlife habitat, and tapu sites.

The 2019 blaze on Maungarei (Mt Wellington) destroyed more than 20ha hectares of bush and scrub.

A suspicious fire at Te Pane o Mataoho/Te Ara Pueru (Māngere Mountain) in the same year destroyed pōhutukawa trees, and took two days to be extinguished.

Majurey said even a single spark could cause long-term harm to the cultural and natural landscape of wāhi tapu (sacred places).

“Until the Government ends the public sale of fireworks, these precautions remain essential. Our priority is keeping the Maunga, their surrounding communities, and all visitors safe.”

Auckland’s 14 Tūpuna Maunga will be closed from November 2 to November 5, from 6.30pm to 7am.

Security teams would be stationed at entrances.

Auckland’s 14 Tūpuna Maunga

• Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill
• Maungarei / Mount Wellington
• Maungawhau / Mount Eden
• Maungauika / North Head
• Ōwairaka / Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura / Mount Albert
• Ōhinerau / Mount Hobson
• Ōhuiarangi / Pigeon Mountain
• Ōtāhuhu / Mount Richmond
• Pukewīwī / Puketāpapa / Mount Roskill
• Te Kōpuke / Tītīkōpuke / Mount St John
• Takarunga / Mount Victoria
• Te Pane o Mataaho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere Mountain
• Te Tātua a Riukiuta / Big King
• Matukutūruru / Wiri Mountain

-LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

© Scoop Media

Local Democracy Reporting

Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.