Sainsbury Road Reserve
Waipā District Council says it could be prosecuted by WorkSafe New Zealand if an incident occurs at the Sainsbury Road Forest in Pirongia.
The new signage that went up recently. Photo: Supplied
Recreational users of the reserve are up in arms about the situation after a new sign was installed earlier this month announcing walkers and horse riders are prohibited from accessing the site. (see letters, page 2)
Residents have been invited to meet council staff to provide feedback at a drop-in session next Wednesday.
Property services manager David Varcoe said public safety is the main reason for the sign update. The previous sign incorrectly identified the area as a public recreation reserve.
“The terrain is steep, the forest roads have blind corners, and mountain bikers can reach speeds of 20–30km/h on the tracks. Shared use without proper oversight put people at risk,” he said.
The new signage that has the uproar is no longer on display. Photo: Jesse Wood
“We understand this change has caused concern, and we are committed to working with the community to find future recreational opportunities that balance access with safety and compliance.
“Council cannot manage these risks effectively if access is open to the general public without oversight, and if there was an incident we could be prosecuted by WorkSafe New Zealand.”
Varcoe said while the council recognises the forest has long been enjoyed by walkers, dog owners and horse riders, unsupervised access to the forest presents significant risks.
The commercial forest is owned and operated by the council who have a responsibility to adhere with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
A cycle trail network is leased to the Pirongia Mountain Bike Club.
Down the road, the Sainsbury Road Reserve is also a no-go zone for dogs. photo: Jesse Wood
Public access to the internal forest roads is not permitted but the unformed section of Sainsbury Rd, extending for about a kilometre past the signage, remains open to pedestrians.
A neighbouring 41-hectare reserve at 205 Sainsbury Rd is available for horse riders to use. The council says it is working closely with an equestrian group to develop new tracks on that site.
“We remain committed to working with the community and is open to ideas for future recreational opportunities in the area, provided they meet health and safety obligations,” Varcoe said.
Sainsbury Rd is near Mt Pirongia. Photo: Jesse Wood
Dog trainer and behaviour consultant Kelly Wolfe said it’s scary times for Waipā canines.
“I walk my dogs in that forest, relatively regularly, because it’s an appropriate spot for them,” Wolfe said. “I’m really concerned for the future of the dogs in Waipā, especially the higher energy ones that need access to spaces like this.
“I work with a lot of clients who really struggle being in urban environments and not having appropriate spaces to exercise dogs.
“The Sainsbury Forest for me, is a great space to recommend to people to exercise in nature and walk their dog in a relatively quiet space.”
Wolfe enjoys hiking but said there’s not many places her dogs can walk with her anymore.
Lake Ngā Roto, the only other local space, has a narrow boardwalk which is difficult when several dogs are there.
Sainsbury Road reserve
