A partial closure of Te Ara Tūtanga (Mauao base track) is being planned for Wednesday, June 4.

This closure, which is expected from 6.30am to 4pm, is to ensure public safety during the removal of two dying exotic pine trees and one exotic hawthorn tree, the Tauranga City Council said in a statement.

The trees will be removed using a helicopter to minimise damage to the land below and to allow the work to be completed in just one day.

“During the partial closure, people can still use half of the base track by entering from the Pilot Bay side,” said the council.

“Between 6.30am and 9.30am, people must turn around at the closure. After 9.30am, part of the base track will reopen, allowing people to continue up Te Ara ō Tūtauaroa to join the Oruahine or Motukauri tracks.”

The council said signage and barriers will be in place at all closure points.

Members of the public are asked to respect these, as they are “there for their own safety”.

Removal works are weather-dependent.

If work is delayed because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances, it may be done on Thursday, June 5.

For more information and track locations, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/mauao

– Contributed content