Hibiscus Coast locals and visitors to the Hauraki Gulf are urged to stay vigilant as Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) imposes a prohibited fire season across all gulf islands, including Kawau Island, effective from 2 December until further notice.

The fire ban prohibits all open fires and suspends fire permits, reflecting concerns about the region’s heightened wildfire risk.

FENZ’s Community Risk Manager for Counties Manukau, Thomas Harre, attributed the decision to the dry conditions developing after a period of exceptional vegetation growth.

“We’ve had a relatively wet winter and warm spring, which has led to exceptional growth,” Harre said.

“Now, with the temperature increasing, scrub and grasses will start drying out quickly. Combined with periods of extended dry and windy spells, there’s a high risk of wildfires occurring and spreading fast.”

The risk is further compounded by an influx of visitors to the islands in December.

Harre noted that past wildfires, caused by visitors lighting fires without awareness of the surroundings, have caused damage to both property and the environment.

Adding to the challenge, the remote nature of the islands makes emergency responses more difficult.

“The islands are only accessible by sea, and only some have airports. This can make responding to wildfires or evacuations delayed and difficult. We want to do everything we can to decrease the possibility of such wildfires appearing in the islands this summer,” Harre said.

The prohibition covers all islands within the Hauraki Gulf, including Kawau Island and others in the Waitematā District.

Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to check fire restrictions at www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting any fires this summer.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is counting on community compliance to prevent wildfires and protect the region’s property and natural environment during the high-risk season.