Abstract
Public use and anthropogenic activity are recognised sources of damage and threat to vulnerable forest areas in New Zealand, but also globally, through the spread of pathogens on shoes, tyres and on the paws of their companion adventurers. User experiences of sensitive and spiritual forest areas, however, have not been fully examined, particularly for those who might be considered 'high-risk' users of these areas. Using in-place methods and in-depth interviews with these high-risk users of all types – from pig hunters to mountain bikers, dog walkers to runners, this study focuses on their use of Kauri forests for recreation, sport and other aspects of daily life and invites their reflections on how they might develop biosecurity and stewardship for their 'community.' As such, the