The cyclone has left a path of devastation across the North Island, significantly impacting thousands of people. DOC is focused on supporting people and communities through the emergency response at this difficult time.
“This is an unprecedented event,” says DOC’s Deputy Director-General Organisation Support Mike Tully. There is a National State of Emergency and DOC is part of an all-of-government response.
“DOC’s priority at this point is the safety of the public, staff, contractors and volunteers.”
There is extensive public conservation land across the North Island which has been affected. DOC facilities in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti, and Hawke’s Bay have been closed to the public for the past week.
“It will take time for DOC to make sure that conservation areas are safe.
“We’re urging the public to please bear with us while we wait for the waters to recede and begin the clean-up. We need to understand the scale of the damage to tracks, huts, campsites and other DOC facilities and make decisions on repairs.
“This is a huge job for DOC. Some sites will need initial checks, formal assessments and then full engineering inspections.”
DOC facilities in the affected areas will stay closed until it’s been determined they are safe.
