Iwi are welcoming the Government's signal it may officially close off the Waitakere Ranges

Biosecurity Minister Damien O'Connor has suggested he could implement a Controlled Area Notice, legally shutting off the area due to fears of spreading kauri dieback.

It would provide a legal backing to the Rahui, or customary ban, placed on the ranges by local iwi Te Kawerau a Maki.

Executive Manager Edward Ashby said the Controlled Area Notice is a good suggestion and now the Minister needs to get on and do it.

"For many years we've been asking for the issue of kauri dieback to be taken seriously and we've been asking for the last year for a control area notice."

It would relieve some of the pressure on the iwi, which has faced a backlash over setting up the rahui.

The iwi placed the customary ban to try and stop the spread of dieback, a move which was interpreted by many to be a direct ban.

Executive Manager Edward Ashby said it doesn't mean the entire area is off-limits and there are other walks people can go on without tramping in the bush.

"By all means, still come out, just stick to the beach if possible or at least the coastal tracks."