Te Mata Park to temporarily close due to extreme fire risk

The Park will remain closed until at least 8am Monday the 12^th of January, and will reopen once conditions have been reassessed. Peak House will be closed over this period.

All access to Te Mata Park from 10pm Friday the 9th of January until at least 8am Monday the 12^th of January is strictly prohibited.

Several factors have combined to significantly increase the risk of fire, including temperatures that are expected to exceed 30 degrees, strong winds, low humidity, and very little rain in many weeks.

The temporary closure is a precautionary measure to help protect public safety, Te Mata Park, and neighbouring land during this high-risk period.

Jon Lewin, Chair of Te Mata Park Trust, said the decision had been made with safety front of mind.

“The safety of Te Mata Park visitors and nearby residents is our primary concern. With the current weather conditions creating extreme fire risk, closing the Park is the most responsible step we can take to help protect people, the whenua, and the surrounding areas,” said Lewin.

“The Trust asks for the public’s cooperation as we work together to mitigate the fire risk and try to keep people safe,” added Lewin.

Hastings District Council has advised that, to support the Te Mata Park closure due to extreme fire risk, it will temporarily close a section of the Council-owned road leading to the Park entrance, and the Tauroa Rd car park.

Te Mata Peak Road will be closed approximately 400 metres from the intersection with Simla Avenue, and the Tauroa Road lower car park will be closed at the intersection with Tauroa Valley Road. Residents within the closure area have been advised that they will have access to their properties, as will emergency vehicles.  These closures will be in place from 10pm Friday 9 January until at least 8am Monday 12 January. All park gates will be locked. The closure may be extended depending on weather conditions.

Te Mata Park Trust will continue to work with Hastings District Council – Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga and Hawke’s Bay Fire and Emergency to monitor conditions and will advise when the Park is reopened.

For further information and updates:

• Please follow all fire safety updates and advice issued by Hawke’s Bay Fire and Emergency via their Facebook page and the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website
• For Te Mata Park access updates, visit the Te Mata Park Facebook page

Media enquiries:

Eleanor Lonergan, Communications and Education, Te Mata Park Trust

eleanor@tematapark.co.nz | o21 0230 7206