List of huts in Te Urewera and the plan for their decommissioning

In an email dated 12 October 2022, Tūhoe sent out the following information:

This is a pānui to our hāpori, thanking those of you who have called us up directly with your questions on Decommissioning.  This has let us see the queries you have, hopefully the following is helpful. 

Decommissioning of huts does not mean stay away.  What it does mean is that we are ridding ourselves of old, rat infested, hard to maintain, decades past their use by date structures.  That’s it. 

Decommissioning will begin now through October and November while the weather permits.  Access to these locations post decommissioning remains open to you as the process includes site reestablishment mahi. While there won’t be any huts, camping is encouraged.  You are very much invited to continue your enjoyment of Te Urewera.

The huts that will remain for a few more seasons are those generally associated with the Great Walk Waikaremoana – this is to minimise disruption to manuhiri through the summer season, given that these structures have enjoyed maximum maintenance, these can remain until new replacements are ready for deployment.

Please take note of the facilities that will now be decommissioned, please plan accordingly for your safety and wellbeing out in Te Urewera.

Photo at top: Manuoha Hut, Te Urewera (c) Danilo Hegg