This track is closed

By the roundabout at the end of Titirangi Village, and the start of Scenic Drive, is a big sign notifying anyone who reads it that Te Kawerau a Maki (Mana Whenua of this area) have declared a Rahui on the use of many walking tracks in the Waitakere Range. 

Today, on my run, I saw another sign; a joint statement by the Mana Whenua and the Auckland Council that the track starting behind this sign is closed by order of the Rahui. The words in the white box make clear the process whereby this has happened. Te Kawerau a Maki have laid down the Rahui; the ban on using the track (and other tracks) in order to protect the Kauri. Subsequently, the Council has used powers given by Parliament in legislation to make breaking the Rahui an offence, punishable by a fine; a large fine.

I welcome this way of doing things. Te Kawerau a Maki is the Iwi (tribe) who lived on and by this land before it was taken during the start of colonialisation. They have made their decision as Mana Whenua, and with advice from the scientists who have studied Kauri dieback. I don't know if there were invitations to current local residents to participate; it is probable that in time the Mana Whenua will include others who have a connection to this land.

My connection with the land (emotionally) includes the western highlands of Scotland, and Nova Scotia. From my birth and childhood the connection is with Waitekauri, and in between those two is Waipu where my Whanau from Nova Scotia landed, farmed and established roots.

Those roots explain a lot of my distress over the behaviour of the 'protest' in Wellington. That is not how I want things to be. The sign of the Rahui indicates an order, which should be obeyed. People who claim to be New Zealanders, and then disown responsibility to not interfere with the well-being of others (including Kauri) are breaching the social contract of this country.