Auckland's Mayor is welcoming the successful prosecution of a man who walked on closed tracks in the Waitakere ranges

It's the first conviction related to the protection of Kauri trees from dieback.

Robert Armitstead has been slapped with a five-thousand-700 dollar fine.

He's also been ordered to pay court costs.

Phil Goff said the man's actions were a serious breach of the Auckland Council Bylaw and his conviction sends a strong message.