25 Jan 2011

Kaingaroa Forest to be opened temporarily

3:41 pm on 25 January 2011

The Kaingaroa Forest in the Bay of Plenty to be temporarily opened to public access now that heavy rain has reduced the fire risk.

The company that manages the forest, Timberlands, had been refusing access while the risk was moderate or higher.

Recreational users had complained about being unable to get to parts of the Rangitaiki River and other fishing spots.

The forest will now be open for recreational access over the next two weekends.

United Future leader Peter Dunne, who has been lobbying for more access, says it is only a short-term solution and the goal is still to find an enduring set of access provisions that satisfies all parties.