A section of the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway, on Kōhī Point Scenic Reserve will be closed to the public from 6 am - 6 pm on Tuesday, 11 June, to allow a Department of Conservation contractor to carry out a controlled deer-shooting operation.

Several accounts of deer sightings have been received within the Kōhī Point Scenic Reserve. Due to the known impact that deer can have on significant coastal forests, the work has been programmed to promptly remove the threat by engaging a contractor using a firearm and a detector dog.

Weather permitting, the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi walkway will be closed on Tuesday, 11 June between Kapu Te Rangi Pā and the north-western end of Ōtarawairere Bay. Advanced warning signs have been installed at entrance points to the track this week, with additional track closure signage to be installed on the day of the closure. The two track entrance points will be staffed to ensure no-one enters the track while the operation is underway.

Whakatāne District Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by the track closure, and thanks the public and visitors for their cooperation while this important pest control operation is carried out.