Timely management around removing trees on Mauao means that the popular walking and climbing destination can open a day earlier than planned.

A helicopter along with arborists from Tree Wise Men Ltd in conjunction with Kowhai Tree Care have been working today to remove a decaying pine tree from the slopes of Mauao.

A full closure of Mauao was planned for Tuesday July 5 until Thursday July 7 to ensure public safety while helicopters carried out tree removal works, but the maunga has opened on Wednesday evening.

Unknown to many, the Te Ara Motukauri track (4WD track) was once home to early tangata whenua. This site, situated on the Pilot Bay side of Mauao, is called Te Uru Karaka, and is a historic Pā site. This Pā site is easily identified by the prominent terraced area facing Mount Maunganui.

The wood stacked along the side of The Mall, Pilot Bay on Wednesday night. Photo: Supplied.

One of the trees in lower right of photo with strops attached, and helicopter transporting branches to Pilot Bay. Photo:Penelope Coleman.

There have been large pine and macrocarpa trees visible from the track, which have been threatening the ancient karaka trees and archaeological sites which they share the land with.

'The pine and macrocarpa trees sit on sensitive archaeological sites and are showing significant signs of deterioration which, if left unattended, these trees could damage the site,” says Tauranga City Council Parks and Recreation manager Warren Aitken.

The team including lead contractor Tree Wise Men Ltd in conjunction with Kowhai Tree Care, Kahu helicopters, Bax Contractors Ltd along with the team of local and national arborists. Photo:Penelope Coleman.

An ancient karaka tree sits in front of a decaying pine tree. The pine tree has been removed via helicopter to prevent any potential damage to the karaka.

Mauao Natural Environment Adviser Josh Clark says that given the sensitive nature of the site the trees are sitting on, it's important that damage is kept to a minimum during the removal process.

To do this, the trees were lifted out by helicopter. This means no wood was cut down onto the site and the culturally significant karaka trees growing under the pine and macrocarpa trees have been preserved.

Helicopter working with arborists on Wednesday to remove the decaying tree. Photo: Supplied.

This work has been prioritised in line with the 2018 Mauao Historic Reserve Management Plan, which specifies that exotic trees are to be progressively removed from Mauao given its status as a special ecological area.

The Pilot Bay boat ramp and car park remains closed until 5pm Tuesday, July 12 2022.

The wood stacked along the side of The Mall, Pilot Bay on Wednesday night. Photo: Supplied.