Dry and exposed areas like Baring Head/ Ōrua-pouanui will have a higher risk rating than some other regional parks. Photo: Greater Wellington Regional Council
Wellington's regional parks are getting a new wildfire risk management system in preparation for a hot summer.
Aligned with the New Zealand fire danger class criteria, each of the six risk levels triggers specific precautionary controls, including the closure of whole parks or sections of track.
The code levels are represented by colour, with green the lowest risk and purple meaning extreme fire danger.
Greater Wellington Eastern Parks team leader Ricky Clarkson said the system was a first for them, as a proactive approach to increased fire risk.
"The El Niño weather pattern is contributing to a riskier-than-normal fire season. And as we mitigate the impacts of climate change the threat of wildfires has increased."
Clarkson said dry and exposed areas like Baring Head/ Ōrua-pouanui and Queen Elizabeth Park will have a higher risk compared to denser growth parks like Kaitoke.
"Our team will be monitoring wildfire risk levels regularly over summer, adjusting the new fire danger signs as needed."
Greater Wellington council chair Daran Ponter said the new approach to the wildfire threat was part of a wider plan to protect and restore the region's parks.
"This year we've made huge strides in the work we do to protect the biodiversity in our regional parks. In the warmer months, wildfire is a very real threat to our wildlife and forests."
Ponter said young seedlings they have planted across retired grazing land were also at risk, as they haven't had the chance to fully establish.
"The best-long term approach to wildfire risk is the restoration of native bush, which is naturally dense and slow to ignite."
He said if the fire risk level rose above red, the council might need to close whole parks or restrict access to certain tracks to keep staff and communities safe.
The plan also included new fire break trails, 'no fire' signage in high-risk areas, and comprehensive fire risk assessment training for relevant members of the park ranger team.
The regional council has asked visitors to avoid lighting fires and carrying items that could cause ignition, including vapes and cigarettes.