Tongariro National Park Wildfire
Project Tongariro Statement: Tongariro National Park Wildfire
It’s devastating to see over 2500 hectares of Tongariro National Park’s vulnerable alpine and subalpine habitat lost to wildfire. The scale of this blaze is unlike anything seen in the region for around a century.
Native species will take time to recover, while fire-adapted weeds like contorta pine, broom, gorse and heather are likely to bounce back quickly. Restoring balance across this landscape will require time, collaboration and careful management.
Project Tongariro - deeply connected to Tongariro National Park and its people - stands ready to support the Department of Conservation, Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and other partners in both immediate response and long-term restoration. We fully support Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro’s rāhui focused on recovery and restoration. Active kaitiakitanga and stewardship must guide this work.
As the situation unfolds, Project Tongariro is prepared to assist however we can, including helping coordinate community involvement or an appeal to support recovery efforts if needed.